What is the average neurologist salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects earnings data for medical practitioners, but the provided search results do not include a specific median weekly earnings figure for neurologists. The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) customised report is referenced by Jobs and Skills Australia, but the actual number is not shown. For context, the ABS Average Weekly Earnings for all full-time adult ordinary time employees was $2,083.70 per week as of May 2026. Neurologists, as highly specialised medical professionals, typically earn substantially more than this average. The Fair Work Commission's Medical Practitioners Award may set minimum rates, but that award is not included in the search results. Therefore, any precise figure would be speculative.

How does the neurologist salary compare to the national minimum wage?

The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. A casual employee receives $33.05 per hour including the 25% casual loading. Neurologists, being medical specialists, are covered by either the Medical Practitioners Award or an enterprise agreement, both of which set minimum rates far above the national minimum wage. For example, a health professional under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 at the highest classification (Level 9, 7th year+) earns $46.18 per hour, but neurologists typically command much higher rates due to their advanced qualifications and experience. The difference in ordinary-time earnings between a neurologist and a minimum-wage worker is substantial.

What factors affect a neurologist's take-home pay?

Take-home pay depends on several factors: the hourly rate (which may be set by an award or negotiated contract), the number of hours worked per week (neurologists average 48 hours full-time according to the 2021 Census), superannuation contributions (12% of ordinary earnings paid on top by the employer, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830), and income tax (2026–27 resident rates: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that, plus a 2% Medicare levy). Casual loading (25% on top of the base rate) may apply if the neurologist is employed casually. Salary packaging, HELP repayments, and the Medicare levy surcharge are not included in this estimate.

Neurologist Salary: Understanding Pay Rates, Awards, and Annual Earnings in Australia

While a precise median neurologist salary is not available from the provided sources, neurologists typically earn well above the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour, with average full-time hours of 48 per week, leading to annual earnings significantly higher than the all-occupations average.

Understanding the Neurologist Salary Landscape

When researching a neurologist salary in Australia, it is important to distinguish between the minimum rates set by awards or the National Minimum Wage and the actual earnings of medical specialists. Neurologists are highly trained medical professionals who diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Their pay is typically governed by the Medical Practitioners Award (not included in the provided search results*, or by enterprise agreements negotiated with hospitals or private practices. This article explains how to convert an hourly rate into annual pay, understand the relevant benchmarks, and the role of superannuation and tax.

The National Minimum Wage and Award Rates

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week. Casual employees receive $33.05 per hour including the 25% casual loading. The neurologist salary is far above these figures. The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) covers some health professionals but explicitly excludes medical practitioners. However, it provides a useful comparison: a Health Professional at Level 9 (AQF 9) with 7+ years earns $46.18 per hour. Neurologists require a medical degree and specialist training, so their minimum rates under the Medical Practitioners Award would be higher, but that award is not in the provided search results.

How to Calculate Annual Pay from an Hourly Rate

The formula for annual gross pay is: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a full-time employee under a typical award, ordinary hours are 38 per week. However, neurologists often work longer hours. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census data cited by Jobs and Skills Australia, the average full-time hours for neurologists is 48 hours per week. If a neurologist earns $100 per hour (a hypothetical example for illustration), their annual gross would be $100 × 48 × 52 = $249,600. If they worked a standard 38-hour week, it would be $100 × 38 × 52 = $197,600. The difference highlights why hours assumption matters.

For a more precise estimate, use our the timesheet to enter your base hourly rate. If you are a casual employee, check the casual loading box to add 25% on top of the base rate. Do not enter a rate that already includes casual loading.

Fortnightly Pay and Budgeting

Many employers pay fortnightly. To find your fortnightly gross, multiply your weekly pay by 2. For example, a neurologist earning $100 per hour for 48 hours per week earns $4,800 per week, or $9,600 per fortnight before tax and super. The pay guides page links to Fair Work Ombudsman resources for award-specific rates.

The Role of Superannuation and Superannuation

Superannuation is paid on top of ordinary earnings at 12% of ordinary earnings, as required by the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. The employer must contribute 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a neurologist earning $249,600 annually, the super contribution would be $29,952 (12% of $249,600) because it is below the cap. This is not deducted from the employee's take-home pay. For more details, see super and packaging.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Income tax for 2026–27 residents: tax-free threshold up to $18,200, then 15% up to $18,201 to $45,000, 30% to $45,000 to $135,000, 37% to $135,000 to $190,000, and 45% above $190,000. Medicare levy generally 2% of taxable income (using the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed). For a neurologist earning $249,600, the tax estimate is $249,600 using the 2026–27 rates. The take-home pay page) to estimate net pay.

Key Takeaways

The neurologist salary is not set by the National Minimum Wage; it is much higher due to specialist training and demand.
Use the formula annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52. Assume 38 hours unless you know the actual hours worked.
Fortnightly pay is weekly × 2.
Super 12% of ordinary earnings paid on top of 12% of ordinary earnings, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830.
Tax is the 2026–27 resident rates with Medicare levy 2%.
The reference tables page links to Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission for award rates.

This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.

**Disclaimer: Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.