How Much Can a Locum Doctor Earn in Australia?

If you have ever wondered whether locum work actually pays better than a permanent role, the short answer is: yes — often significantly. But the range is wide, and the specialty, location, and shift type all make a big difference.

Here is a practical breakdown of what locum doctors are earning in Australia right now, with real figures from placements in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland.

Emergency medicine consistently commands the highest locum rates in Australia. FACEM-qualified doctors are in short supply relative to demand, particularly in regional and rural hospitals that cannot attract permanent staff.

Current FACEM rates (WA, 2026):

• Perth metro: $2,500–$3,500+ per day
• Goldfields (Kalgoorlie): $3,050–$3,250 per day depending on experience
• Great Southern (Katanning, Denmark): $2,600–$2,900 per day
• Wheatbelt (Narrogin): $2,700–$2,900 per day

For SMOs and senior ED registrars without FACEM, rates typically sit between $2,000 and $2,500 per day in regional WA, and up to $2,100 per shift in the Wheatbelt.

Night shifts attract a premium. In the Goldfields, GP ED Fellows working nights earn up to $2,850 per day, compared to $2,600 for day shifts.

GP locum rates vary considerably depending on whether you hold FRACGP, FACCRM, or a rural generalist qualification, and whether the role involves emergency work.

Current GP rates (WA, 2026):

• GP/Rural Generalist (day shifts, Goldfields): $2,300–$2,600 per day
• GP/Rural Generalist (night shifts, Goldfields): $2,500–$2,850 per day
• GP with FRACGP/FACCRM (Great Southern, ED + inpatients): $2,600 per day
• HBMP (Hospital-Based Medical Practitioner): $2,300–$2,500 per day

Rural and remote placements almost always include accommodation, and many include return flights. When you factor in those entitlements, the effective daily rate is considerably higher than the headline figure.

Psychiatry locum rates have risen sharply over the past two years as the mental health workforce shortage has deepened. Consultant psychiatrists are among the most sought-after locums in both WA, NT, VIC and QLD.

Typical psychiatry rates (WA, 2026):

• Consultant psychiatrist: $2,500–$3,500 per day
• Psychiatry registrar: $130–$175 per hour depending on shift type

Older adult mental health and forensic psychiatry tend to attract the higher end of the consultant range. Registrar rates vary by roster — day rates are lower, but evening and weekend loadings can push effective hourly rates well above the base.

General medicine consultants and registrars fill a large share of locum placements, particularly for term cover and leave relief.

Current rates (WA, 2026):

• General medicine consultant (Perth metro, Home Hospital): up to $2,000 per day
• General medicine consultant (Perth metro, full time): $2,000 per day
• General medicine registrar (regional WA): $1,700 per day
• Haematology registrar (Perth metro): $140 per hour
• Stroke/aged care registrar (Perth metro): $148.62–$195 per hour (day to public holiday)
• Neurology consultant (Darwin NT): $2,500 per day inclusive of on-call

Registrar rates in Perth metro are typically hourly, with night and public holiday loadings. Consultants in regional placements are more commonly paid a flat daily rate.

Paediatric locum rates reflect the specialist shortage in this field, particularly in regional settings.

Current rates (WA, 2026):

• Paediatric consultant (regional WA, 1 hour from Perth): $2,700–$2,900 per day

Long-term placements — such as a six-month regional contract — often come with flights and accommodation included, making them highly attractive for consultants willing to commit to a roster.

Several factors determine where your rate lands within a specialty's range:

Experience level. Most hospitals distinguish between 1–5 years post-fellowship and 6+ years. The difference can be $200–$300 per day for the same role.

Shift type. Night shifts, weekends, and public holidays attract loadings. In some roles, a night shift rate is 10–20% higher than the equivalent day rate.

Location. Regional and remote hospitals pay more than metro to compensate for travel and lifestyle factors. The further from Perth, the higher the rate tends to be.

Urgency. Urgent cover — where a hospital needs someone within days — often attracts a premium above the standard rate.

Qualifications. FACEM versus SMO, FRACGP versus MBBS, FRANZCP versus registrar — the qualification tier makes a material difference to the rate offered.

For regional and remote placements, the daily rate is only part of the picture. Many roles include:

• Return domestic flights (up to $2,000 per trip in some NT placements)
• Accommodation (up to $236 per night in Darwin)
• Fleet vehicle or airport transfers
• Fuel reimbursement for drive-in placements

These entitlements can add $500–$1,500 per week to the effective value of a placement, particularly for interstate doctors.

A senior emergency physician in a permanent WA Health role earns roughly $350,000–$450,000 per year in total remuneration. A FACEM doing locum shifts at $3,000 per day, working 200 days per year, earns $600,000 — before entitlements.

Even at more modest rates, the maths often favours locum work for doctors who want flexibility without sacrificing income. The trade-off is the absence of leave entitlements, superannuation contributions from an employer, and the stability of a permanent contract.

Most experienced locums structure their work through a company or trust to manage tax efficiently, and factor in their own superannuation contributions.

• FACEM Locum Jobs WA — Detailed rates card for Emergency Medicine consultants
• GP Locum Jobs across WA, NT, VIC & QLD — GP rate benchmarks by region including FIFO and remote
• Psychiatry Locum Jobs — Consultant psychiatrist rates across WA and NT
• Emergency Medicine Locum Jobs — FACEM and registrar rate ranges
• Locum Doctor Pay Rates Australia — Comprehensive rates guide by specialty
• Complete Guide to Becoming a Locum Doctor — Everything you need to know before making the move

Rates vary by role, timing, and your specific qualifications. The best way to find out what you could earn is to talk to a recruiter who knows the current market.

AU Locums Direct specialises in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and GP placements across WA, NT, VIC and QLD. We work with doctors at all career stages and can give you a realistic picture of what is available right now.

Register as a doctor to get started, browse current job listings or get in touch to discuss your availability.