While there isn't one single "highest-paid" surgeon globally for 2022, Neurosurgeons consistently rank as the top-earning surgical specialty worldwide, followed closely by Cardiothoracic Surgeons, due to the complexity and high demand for their skills in brain, spine, and heart surgeries. In Australia, for the 2020-21 tax year (reported in 2022), Neurosurgeons had the highest average income, exceeding $600,000 AUD.
Who are the highest paid doctors in Australia?
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeons top the list of highest-paying surgical specialties, with Physicians Thrive's “2024 Physician Compensation Report” estimating a median annual salary of $788,000 for these specialists.
With the highest paid occupations and the highest-paid doctors being Neurosurgeons coming number 1 at $575,687 AUD, followed by Ophthalmologists at 2 with $524,804 AUD and Ear Nose and Throat Surgeons 3 at $468,525 AUD.
Jobs paying $500k+ in Australia are primarily in highly specialized fields like Medical Specialists (surgeons, anaesthetists), Senior Finance/Executive Roles (CFO, Head of Treasury, Investment Directors), and high-end Sales & Construction Management (Elite Stockbrokers, Senior Project Managers/Estimators in complex sectors). While roles like Neurosurgeon and Ophthalmologist average well over $500k, achieving this in other sectors often involves performance-based bonuses or leading major projects, with opportunities listed on job boards like SEEK and Jora.
Surgeon salaries in Australia vary widely by specialty, experience, and location, but generally range from around $200,000 to over $400,000 annually for experienced professionals, with top earners (like neurosurgeons) potentially exceeding $600,000, while starting salaries might be lower, reflecting high demand and significant training. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) data shows surgeons are among the highest earners, with averages often over $300,000, especially in public/private mix roles or high-demand fields like cardiology.
So, let us look at the top 5 most competitive specialties that conclude the debate of what is the hardest doctor to become.
Salary Recap
The average pay for a Top Surgeon is £403,627 a year and £194 an hour in London, United Kingdom. The average salary range for a Top Surgeon is between £236,526 and £630,869. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Top Surgeon.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $84,500 and as low as $37,500, the majority of Sergeant salaries currently range between $50,500 (25th percentile) to $56,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $66,500 annually across the United States.
— Surgeons rank at the top of the pay scale —
If you're working as a specialist medical doctor in the UK, you earn a basic salary of between £40,037 and £74,661. Salaried GPs get between £58,808 and £88,744. And as a consultant, your basic pay is between £79,860 and £107,668.
Medical Specialities with Lowest Reported Salaries
1. Neurosurgery. Neurosurgeons earn an average of $763,908 per year, which is 219% higher than the national median salary of physicians in the U.S. They perform complex surgeries on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Training includes at least a seven-year residency, making it one of the most demanding specialties.
Yes, $130k is a very good salary in Australia, placing you well above the median income and in the top earnings bracket, but whether it's "comfortable" depends heavily on your location (high-cost cities like Sydney/Melbourne vs. regional areas) and lifestyle, as high rents can still strain finances, though it generally allows for a solid middle-class life with budgeting.
Patrick Soon-Shiong is a South‑African‑born surgeon, scientist, and serial entrepreneur who tops the list of wealthiest physicians.
500k salary jobs in london
The #1 highest-paying job is consistently in the medical field, with Surgeons and Anesthesiologists often topping lists globally and in countries like Australia, earning over $400,000 AUD on average due to extensive training and high-pressure responsibilities, though roles like Financial Dealers, CEOs, and specialized Engineers also rank high.
Interventional neuroradiologists use imaging to treat brain and nervous system problems. This field needs special skills and knowledge of the brain. It's one of the rarest medical specialties. These specialties are important for medical progress and patient care.
The 7 Easiest Types of Doctor to Become & How to Get There
Jobs paying $500k+ in Australia are primarily in highly specialized fields like Medical Specialists (surgeons, anaesthetists), Senior Finance/Executive Roles (CFO, Head of Treasury, Investment Directors), and high-end Sales & Construction Management (Elite Stockbrokers, Senior Project Managers/Estimators in complex sectors). While roles like Neurosurgeon and Ophthalmologist average well over $500k, achieving this in other sectors often involves performance-based bonuses or leading major projects, with opportunities listed on job boards like SEEK and Jora.
GP salaries in Australia vary significantly but typically range from $200,000 to over $350,000 annually for experienced, full-time doctors, with some rural roles or high-billing practices reaching $400,000+; registrar earnings are lower ($85k-$130k), while locums earn per day ($2k-$3k), influenced by location (rural pays more), billing (private higher), experience, and practice type. Full-time GPs (8+ sessions) average around $345k, while part-timers average $240k.
Neurosurgery ranks as the highest-paid specialty, with an average annual salary exceeding $749,140. Specialties such as neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery are among the highest-paid, with average annual salaries ranging from approximately $600,000 to over $750,000.