The Australian Medical Job Market

Australia has a sustained demand for doctors, particularly in general practice, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and a range of other specialties. This demand is especially strong in regional and rural areas, where overseas-trained doctors play a vital role in healthcare delivery.

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the Australian job market offers genuine opportunity — but navigating it effectively requires understanding how recruitment works, what employers expect, and how your registration status and visa interact with your employment options.

This guide walks you through the entire process. For specific topics in detail, see the dedicated pages in our Jobs section.

How to Find and Secure a Medical Position

The job search process for overseas doctors in Australia differs from many other countries. Here are the key steps and strategies:

  • Prepare an Australian-format CV

    Australian employers expect a specific CV format that differs from many international standards. Your CV should highlight your registration status, pathway progress, clinical experience, and any Australian-relevant qualifications. Our How to Get a Job page provides detailed CV guidance and sample structures.

  • Use medical recruitment agencies

    Specialist medical recruitment agencies are one of the most effective channels for overseas doctors. Many agencies work directly with hospitals and health services that are approved visa sponsors, streamlining the process considerably.

  • Apply directly to health services

    State and territory health departments, hospital networks, and Aboriginal health services regularly advertise positions. Direct applications can sometimes yield faster results, especially for regional roles.

  • Consider regional positions

    Regional and rural positions often come with significant advantages: higher salaries, accommodation assistance, relocation packages, faster visa processing, and additional pathways to permanent residency. Compare the options on our Regional vs Metro page.

Salaries, Contracts, and Working Conditions

Understanding the financial and contractual landscape is essential before accepting a position:

  • Salary expectations — Doctor salaries in Australia vary by specialty, seniority, location, and whether you work in the public or private sector. Junior doctors, registrars, consultants, and GPs all have different pay structures. Our Salary Guide provides detailed breakdowns.
  • Public vs private practice — The public system offers structured training, award-based pay, and predictable hours. Private practice can offer higher earnings but comes with different business considerations. Explore the trade-offs on our Public vs Private page.
  • Employment contracts — Australian medical contracts contain important clauses around notice periods, restraint of trade, relocation support, visa sponsorship obligations, and more. Our Contracts page explains what to look for and what to negotiate.
  • Overtime and penalty rates — Public hospital doctors are typically covered by state-based awards or enterprise agreements that include overtime, shift penalties, and on-call allowances.

How Employment Connects to Visas, Registration, and Pathways

Your job search does not exist in isolation — it is tightly linked to your visa, registration, and pathway decisions:

  • Visa sponsorship — Most overseas doctors need employer sponsorship for their visa. The 482 visa, 186 visa, and 494 visa all require an approved sponsor and a genuine position. Your job search and visa strategy should be coordinated.
  • Registration type affects eligibility — The positions you can apply for depend on your AHPRA registration type. Doctors on provisional or limited registration have restrictions on where and how they can practise.
  • Pathway determines your timeline — Your registration pathway affects when you can start working and what supervision arrangements are required. Employers need to understand your pathway when considering your application.
  • Location matters for PR — If permanent residency is your goal, choosing a regional position can significantly accelerate the timeline. See our Permanent Residency page and Regional Work page for details.

For practical information about living costs, choosing a city, and settling your family, visit our Life in Australia section.

Important Planning Note

This page is designed as practical guidance for overseas doctors and should be used alongside official requirements published by AHPRA, the AMC, relevant specialist colleges, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Rules, fees, and processing times can change. Before lodging any application, verify current criteria directly with official sources listed on our Resources page.