Your earning potential as a FACRRM in primary care

Many Rural Generalists build what’s often referred to as a “portfolio career” - combining work across multiple settings such as general practice, hospitals, emergency departments, procedural roles, teaching, supervision or medical education. Because income structures can vary significantly between these settings, this article focuses specifically on Fellows of ACRRM (FACRRM) working in primary care/general practice settings only. 

While many FACRRMs work across a blend of clinical roles, understanding how earnings typically work in community primary care is an important starting point when comparing training income with post-Fellowship earning potential. 

TL;DR: As an AGPT-funded registrar, in most cases you are a salaried employee with a base salary income, leave entitlements, and employer-paid super - typically earning $97k–$117k base plus billings and incentives.  

As a FACRRM working in primary care, your income will most likely be tied to productivity, typically 60–70% of billings, with significantly higher earning potential but no paid leave or employer super.

Why the training income model is designed the way it is

When you’re a registrar, you’re doing two things simultaneously: delivering patient care and learning to do it better. Consultations can take longer while you build clinical confidence and learn item numbers. You may work across several training environments. You have protected education and supervision time built into your week. You’re still finding your feet with referral pathways and community-specific care.  

The salary model exists to protect your income during training, so financial pressure doesn’t compromise your learning. It’s especially important in rural and remote contexts, where patient volume can fluctuate significantly.

FACRRM in primary care income: the contractor model explained

Most Rural Generalists who have completed Fellowship training and are working in general practice, work as self-employed contractors operating under a services agreement. This is a fundamentally different financial model to the salary model experienced during training.

What contributes to your earnings as a FACRRM? 

There are many variables, but some include: 

• % of billings retained 
• Sessions worked per week 
• Consultation type (procedural, long, short, mixed) 
• Billing model (private, mixed, bulk-billing) 
• Incentive payments such as SIPs, PIPs and bulk-billing incentive 
• Practice ownership earnings (if applicable)
• Additional roles such as supervisor, medical educator, hospital proceduralist (anaesthetics, obstetrics or emergency care) 

Side-by-side: registrar vs FACRRM

This comparison assumes an AGPT-funded registrar and a FACRRM working as a contractor in general practice. The below is a guide only, as individual circumstances vary. 

Additional considerations to keep in mind

Employers and practices are often willing to offer additional incentives to attract and retain Rural Generalists, particularly in rural and remote locations where workforce need is greatest. When you're working out what you'll actually earn, keep these in mind as part of your total package: 

• Leave entitlements (for salaried roles) 
• Superannuation contributions above the standard rate
• Relocation allowance and vehicle allowance 
• Onboarding bonus 
• Travel allowance to the nearest city if you're working in a remote location 
• Subsidised housing or a housing allowance 
• Professional development leave and a PD allowance 

It's also worth noting that hospital-based roles may have access to salary packaging options, which can meaningfully increase your effective take-home pay. 

Adding it all up

To calculate the rural financial incentives you may be eligible for, access the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) financial calculator tool.

Calculating income generated from billings can be trickier because there are so many variables. Use General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) calculator tool to estimate your earning potential as a FACRRM.  

Use the Health Workforce Locator to check the MMM classification of your location, which will ensure the accuracy of your income calculation as it will factor in location-based incentives. 

Disclaimer: Salary figures reflect NTCER base rates as at Semester 1, 2026, indexed annually on 1 July. Incentive payment figures are indicative; individual eligibility varies. This information is intended as a general guide and does not constitute financial advice. Information applies to AGPT-funded registrars unless otherwise stated. Information is relevant as at date of publishing.