Overview
Anaesthesia is a core hospital specialty in Australia, with anaesthetists working across public and private hospitals, day surgery centres, and pain management clinics. There is consistent demand for qualified anaesthetists, particularly in regional areas and private surgical facilities.
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) is the specialist college responsible for assessing overseas-trained anaesthetists. ANZCA also oversees the Faculty of Pain Medicine for those with a sub-specialty interest in pain management.
Assessment Process
The ANZCA specialist assessment process involves the following steps:
- Apply to ANZCA for specialist International Medical Graduate assessment.
- Submit qualifications, training evidence, and clinical experience.
- ANZCA assesses comparability of your training.
- If partially comparable, complete required workplace-based assessment and/or supervised practice.
- Once approved, apply for specialist registration through AHPRA.
For more detail on how the specialist pathway works, see our Specialist Pathway page.
Workforce Demand
Anaesthetists are in steady demand across Australia, driven by growing surgical volumes in both public and private sectors. Regional and rural hospitals often struggle to fill anaesthetics positions, creating opportunities for overseas-trained doctors with attractive sponsorship packages.
Salary Expectations
Anaesthetists in public hospital roles typically earn AUD 300,000–500,000+. Private anaesthetic practice can yield significantly higher income, particularly in metropolitan areas with high surgical volumes. For a broader overview of doctor salaries, see our Salary Guide.