How much do locum vets earn in Australia? (Revised 9/12/14)
This is variable but locum vets commonly earn between $45 to $60 per hour plus superannuation with $50 per hour plus superannuation being the usual rate.
The amount a locum vet can earn compares very favourably with permanent salaries.
For example:
A locum vet who worked 38 hours per week at $50 per hour for 48 weeks a year would earn $91,200 plus superannuation.
A locum vet who worked 38 hours per week at $45 per hour for 48 weeks a year would earn $82,080 plus superannuation.
On the 22/1/14 The Australian newspaper reported that the average annual salary for a vet is in the vicinity of $75,000pa.
Commonly asked questions:
Is there a good supply of locum work?
There are many variables to this including where the vet is located, time of year, work history, ability to consistently do a very good job at each practice, willingness to travel for work and so on.
If you would like some ideas on how to be a locum ‘in demand’ the following blog maybe useful - Locum Vets: A Guide for the Novice Locum.
Do vets get paid a higher rate for short periods eg Saturday mornings?
Vets will often be paid higher rates for short periods of work.
Do very experienced vets get paid a premium?
Most practice owners require a locum to do a lot of routine work and are not prepared to pay extra for someone who is very experienced. This is obviously not always the case. Some practice owners will pay extra if the locum is required to take on some HR and other managerial duties and/or take on a high case load of difficult medical and surgical cases.
How are locums paid for after-hours work?
I have been placing locum vets for 17 years and have never found a formula for after-hours remuneration that suits all situations. Many employers will pay the locum for after-hours using the same method as they use for their permanent staff.
Does the employer provide accommodation?
As a general rule practices in the city very rarely have accommodation on offer. Country practices are more likely to.
Does the employer provide a car?
If a car is needed for work, employers will either pay the locum mileage for using their own car or provide a vehicle.
Does Vetlink set the rates that locums are paid?
No. When asked we simply let the employers and candidates know the current market rates.
Thanks for that – interesting to know. We are classified as casual employees at our work, due to each of us working less hours than that required to qualify as part time employees (we are all mums), and are getting paid significantly more than this rate + super. We realise we are on to a good thing at our clinic – great place to work too so couldn’t ask for anything more perfect really