Oncologist Salary: Award Rates, Hourly Conversion, and What to Expect in 2026

Understanding the oncologist salary landscape

When researching an oncologist salary in Australia, it is important to distinguish between minimum award rates and actual market earnings. Medical oncologists are medical practitioners who diagnose and treat cancer using chemotherapy and biological therapy. They are covered by the Medical Practitioners Award 2020 (MA000031), which sets minimum pay rates for interns, specialists, and senior specialists.

According to the Jobs and Skills Australia profile, medical oncologists work an average of 47 hours per week for full-time employees, and 79% work full-time. The median age is 43, and the female share of employment is 49%. While median weekly earnings are not published for this occupation, the award provides a clear minimum.

Award rates for medical practitioners

The Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay Guide for the Medical Practitioners Award (effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026) lists the following minimum rates for full-time employees working 38 ordinary hours per week:

• Specialist: $2,570.93 per week ($67.66 per hour)
• Senior specialist – pay point 1: $2,749.01 per week ($72.35 per hour)
• Senior specialist – pay point 2: $2,843.41 per week ($74.82 per hour)
• Senior specialist – pay point 3: $2,940.72 per week ($77.39 per hour)
• Senior specialist – pay point 4: $3,149.16 per week ($82.87 per hour)
• Senior specialist – pay point 5: $3,193.92 per week ($84.05 per hour)
• Principal specialist: $3,259.00 per week ($85.77 per hour)
• Senior principal specialist: $3,374.36 per week ($88.80 per hour)

These are the minimums before any overtime, penalty rates, or allowances. A medical oncologist would typically be classified as a Specialist or Senior Specialist depending on experience and qualifications.

Casual loading

If an oncologist is employed as a casual, they receive a 25% loading on top of the ordinary hourly rate instead of paid leave. For a Specialist, the casual hourly rate would be $67.66 × 1.25 = $84.58 per hour. Our casual loading page explains how to calculate this.

Converting hourly to annual: the 38-hour week

To estimate an annual salary from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual gross = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For a full-time employee under the award, ordinary hours are 38 per week. For a Specialist:

$67.66 × 38 × 52 = $133,688 per year

If you work more than 38 hours, the award requires overtime pay. Overtime rates are:

• Monday to Saturday first 2 hours: 150% (175% for casuals)
• After 2 hours: 200% (225% for casuals)
• Sunday: 200% (225% for casuals)
• Public holidays: 250% (275% for casuals)

Given that medical oncologists average 47 hours per week, actual earnings are often well above the minimum annual salary. For example, 9 hours of overtime at time-and-a-half would add significantly to the weekly pay.

Fortnightly pay

A fortnightly gross pay for a Specialist on 38 ordinary hours would be $2,570.93 × 2 = $5,141.86. This is useful for budgeting and comparing with salary offers.

Tax and superannuation considerations

Income tax 2026–27

The Australian Taxation Office resident tax rates for 2026–27 are:

• $0 – $18,200: nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15% on excess over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30% on excess over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37% on excess over $135,000
• $190,001 and over: $51,370 plus 45% on excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income (with possible reductions for low-income earners).

For a Specialist earning $133,688, the tax (excluding Medicare) would be approximately $4,020 + 30% × ($133,688 – $45,000) = $4,020 + $26,606.40 = $30,626.40. Medicare adds 2% = $2,673.76. Total tax and Medicare about $33,300. Take-home pay would be around $100,388 per year, or $1,930 per week.

Superannuation guarantee

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee of 12% of ordinary earnings, on top of the salary, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. For a Specialist on $133,688, super would be $133,688 × 12% = $16,042.56 per year. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay but is an additional cost to the employer. See our super and packaging page for more.

Using our tools

If you have an hourly rate or a salary offer, you can use the timesheet to convert between hourly, weekly, fortnightly, and annual figures. The tool assumes 38 ordinary hours per week and applies the 25% casual loading if you check the box. Remember that actual pay may differ due to overtime, penalty rates, allowances, or salary sacrifice.

For award-specific calculations, refer to our pay guides and reference tables. The hourly conversion page explains the formula in more detail.

Key takeaways

• The minimum oncologist salary under the award for a Specialist is $133,688 per year (38 hours/week).
• Actual earnings are often higher due to overtime (average 47 hours/week) and seniority.
• Casual employees receive a 25% loading.
• Super is paid on top at 12% of ordinary earnings.
• Use the formula hourly × 38 × 52 for a quick annual estimate, but check the award for overtime and penalties.

Always consult the Fair Work Ombudsman or your employer for your specific classification and pay conditions.