Frequently Asked Questions

• What can I expect to earn as locum doctor in Australia?

  In general, specialist rates are around $2000 per day inclusive of on-call and call backs. The speciality that is most in demand is emergency medicine, followed by general medicine. However, there is a good amount of work to be found for senior locum doctors in other areas The secret to maximising your income if that’s one of your goals, is flexibility with regard to location, timing and duration of your placements.
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• Why should I locum?

  For a locum doctor, money is the most obvious reward, because you’re likely to earn double or even triple what you’d earn in a permanent position. Many locum doctors choose to locum for a few months, and then take time off to travel overseas before returning to another placement. Other locum doctors use it as a way to explore Australia, to gain exposure and experience in different areas.  

  So, if money and lifestyle and even career goals are competing for your attention, relax, you can achieve them all locuming in Australia.

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• How will I be paid?

  This depends on the hospital. Some hospitals prefer to hire locums as independent contractors and others will place you on the hospital payroll.  There are benefits to both. For example there is ‘salary packaging’ for longer placements at hospitals where you’re on payroll, and for independent contractors there is the opportunity to write off expenses. Your Solutions Specialist can help you decided what is best for you, as well as providing you with free resources to make this as easy and profitable as possible, including a referral for a free consultation with Deloitte if you don’t already have your own accountant.
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• Can I locum as a specialist on a 457 VISA?

  Yes.  You are advised to contact MedRecruit if you are interested in working as a locum Specialist in Australia on a 457 VISA.  This is only an option when you hold full fellowship with an Australasian College.
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• How long should I locum for?

  Locum doctors who get the best experience out of locuming are those who take longer locum positions. This is because firstly, hospitals tend to prefer doctors who can fulfil a large chunk of their vacancies for them, and secondly it’s a more lucrative way to locum - you’ll earn money quickly and then have time to enjoy yourself between placements.
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• Can I locum in cities?

  The metropolitan centres offer more opportunities for casual locum work; however there is also more demand for casual locum work from the medical fraternity in these centres too. We’ve spent a lot of time researching the casual locum market in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and Adelaide and (with the exception of Sydney) have found the casual locum work to be very short notice and usually filled by the hospital directly from their own casual medical pools. To that end, we are very unlikely to be able to provide you with work in these areas – so go and enjoy the beach or the outback instead!
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• Should I register with multiple agencies?

  While we understand why you might think it's a good idea to register with multiple agencies, we know from our experience with thousands of doctors, that YOUR best experience will be when you work exclusively with one agency. This is because:

  1. We can manage your schedule with you.
  2. Hospitals prefer not to receive the same CV from multiple agencies- this can actually harm your chances.
  3. We have a dedicated Vacancy Specialist who sniffs out vacancies throughout New Zealand and Australia on an hourly basis, so you can trust that we have the lion’s share of the vacancies all the time.
  4. You’ll get DOUBLE rewards points so you can go shopping!
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• Are flights and accommodation included?

  Yes, 95% of the time flights and accommodation are included.  As a general rule, any of the regional hospitals will provide accommodation and travel.  There are a few exceptions; however we prefer to get you work with the majority of hospitals that do offer this.
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• Why should I consider locuming in Australia?

  Australia is an incredible place for you to GO FURTHER in every way – lifestyle, career and finance!  Not only can you choose your hours; but you can also work in your area of interest, gain experience and be rewarded with excellent rates of pay. Australia offers you a vast range of lifestyle choices. Whether it’s skiing, surfing, sailing, Shiraz or scenery you’re in to, there’ll be locum work to suit.
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• Is there an age limit if I want to work in Australia?

  There are no age limitations on working in Australia.
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• Can I choose where I work?

  The choice is yours! During your Strategy Session, your MedRecruit Solutions Specialist will help you decide on the best range of options to help you reach your goals.
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• Can I apply for work directly to the hospital or practice without going through an agency?

  The answer is yes you can, however please be aware it’s a very difficult process unless you’re supported. MedRecruit has an experienced team to partner with you. The advantages of using our FREE service include:

  1. Access to the many vacancies that are NOT publicly advertised!
  2. Personal assistance from our Placement Co-ordinators. From work visas to medical registration and travel arrangements - everything you need to find a position they’ll handle for you, before, during and after your placement.
  3. MedRecruit can often get you a better deal. We have great relationships with the hospitals and what this means for you is we will negotiate extra benefits on your behalf, such as reimbursement of your travel expenses!
  4. MedRecruit Rewards – from bungee jumps, to IPads, its yours FREE when you work with MedRecruit.
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• How do I find out more information about working in Australia?

  Give us a call! Our team has helped thousands of doctors and we can help you too.
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• Can I extend my visa if I like working in Australia?

  Yes, you can extend your visa easily and for several years continuously. If you are looking at becoming a permanent resident of either country you will need to apply to their respective immigration departments.
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