What is the average cardiothoracic surgeon salary in Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics does not publish a specific median weekly earnings figure for cardiothoracic surgeons. However, the Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that surgeons work an average of 51 hours per week, with 90% employed full-time. For context, the ABS reports that professionals across all fields earn an average of $2,049.60 per week (all employees, May 2025). Cardiothoracic surgeons are among the highest-paid medical specialists, so actual earnings are typically well above that average.

How do I calculate annual pay from an hourly rate for a cardiothoracic surgeon?

Use the formula: hourly rate × hours per week × 52. For a standard 38-hour week, multiply the hourly rate by 1,976. For example, $150 per hour × 38 × 52 = $296,400 gross per year. Note that many surgeons work more than 38 hours (averaging 51 hours per the Jobs and Skills Australia profile), so using 38 hours gives a conservative estimate. The [hourly conversion](/topics/hourly-conversion) tool on this site can do the calculation for you.

Does casual loading apply to cardiothoracic surgeons?

No, cardiothoracic surgeons are typically employed as permanent full-time specialists, not casual workers. Casual loading (25% on top of the base rate) applies to employees covered by awards like the Medical Practitioners Award, but surgeons are usually on individual contracts or enterprise agreements. If you are a locum or contractor, your rate may already include a loading. Always check your employment type. The [casual loading](/topics/casual-loading) page explains when it applies.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary: Hourly to Annual Conversion for 2026–27

While official data does not publish a specific median for cardiothoracic surgeons, the ABS reports professionals average $2,049.60 per week; using a 38-hour week, an hourly rate of $100 gives an annual gross of $197,600.

Understanding the Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary

When researching a cardiothoracic surgeon salary, it helps to start with official sources. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia provide the most reliable data, but they do not publish a specific median weekly earnings figure for this occupation. The Jobs and Skills Australia profile notes that cardiothoracic surgeons work an average of 51 hours per week, with 90% employed full-time, and a median age of 49. For comparison, the ABS Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025 shows that professionals across all occupations earn an average of $2,049.60 per week (all employees). Cardiothoracic surgeons are among the highest-paid medical specialists, so actual earnings are significantly above that average.

How the Hourly to Annual Conversion Works

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the standard formula:

Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52

On this site, we assume a 38-hour week (the standard full-time week under the National Minimum Wage and many awards). For a cardiothoracic surgeon earning, say, $150 per hour, the calculation would be:

$150 × 38 × 52 = $296,400 per year

If you know your actual weekly hours (e.g., 51 hours from the Jobs and Skills Australia data), you can substitute that number. However, using 38 hours gives a conservative estimate that aligns with the Fair Work Ombudsman’s definition of full-time work. The hourly conversion page on this site lets you enter any hourly rate and see the annual, monthly, fortnightly, and weekly figures.

Fortnightly Pay and Tax

Many employers pay fortnightly. To get your gross fortnightly pay, multiply the weekly amount by 2. Using the example above:

$150 × 38 = $5,700 per week → $11,400 per fortnight

Tax is calculated on your annual taxable income using the 2026–27 resident rates:

Nil on the first $18,200
15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
45% on income above $190,000

Plus the Medicare levy of 2% (with reductions for low-income earners). For a $296,400 annual income, the tax would be approximately $92,467 plus Medicare of $5,928, leaving about $198,005 after tax. Use the take-home pay estimator for a personalised calculation.

Superannuation Considerations

Super guarantee is 12% of your ordinary earnings, paid on top of your salary. For a $296,400 annual salary, that’s $35,568 in super, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830 (for 2026–27). If your ordinary earnings exceed that cap, super is only paid on the first $270,830. The super and packaging page explains how salary sacrifice can affect your take-home pay.

Using the Timesheet Tool

If you have an hourly rate, you can use the timesheet to calculate your weekly, fortnightly, and annual pay. The tool includes a checkbox for 25% casual loading, but note that cardiothoracic surgeons are rarely casual employees. For permanent employees, super is added on top of the base rate. Always check your employment contract or award. The pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman provide minimum rates for the Medical Practitioners Award, though surgeons are often covered by individual agreements.

Key Points to Remember

The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for 38 hours). Cardiothoracic surgeons earn far above this.
The ABS average weekly earnings for full-time adult ordinary time employees is $2,083.70 (May 2026). Surgeons typically earn several times that.
The formula annual = hourly × hours × 52 is an estimate. It assumes no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, and no salary sacrifice.
Super is 12% on top, capped at the maximum contribution base.
Tax estimates use the 2026–27 resident scale and Medicare levy. HELP repayments and the Medicare levy surcharge are not included.

For more detailed reference tables, see the reference tables page. To compare your pay with industry averages, visit average pay. And if you need to check the minimum wage for award-covered employees, the minimum wage page has the latest figures.

Disclaimer

Annual pay shown 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.