Veterinary Surgeon Jobs in South Australia

A full-time veterinary surgeon in South Australia typically earns between AUD $70,000 and $115,000 per year, depending on factors such as location, experience, type of practice, and area of specialization.

Salaries tend to be higher in Adelaide, while regional and rural areas often offer additional incentives. Positions in remote or underserved communities can provide the highest earning potential, including relocation allowances, accommodation support, and other benefits—making these roles especially attractive for veterinary professionals seeking both career growth and a rewarding lifestyle.

At Prospect Health, we recognize the challenges and opportunities that come with relocating across the globe. That’s why our specialist consultants have a wealth of knowledge, offering a comprehensive guide to transitioning into the Australian healthcare system.

Our Step-by-Step Pathway to Becoming a Veterinary Surgeon in Australia has everything you need to know about Australia and finding the perfect Veterinarian job.

As the capital city of South Australia, Adelaide offers competitive salaries for full-time veterinary surgeons, typically ranging from AUD $70,000 to $115,000 per year, with higher earnings possible in private practices or specialized fields.

Regional towns such as Mount Gambier, Whyalla, and Port Lincoln may offer additional incentives to attract veterinary professionals, particularly in areas with higher demand. While base salaries remain in a similar range, these positions can include relocation support, accommodation allowances, and other benefits, making them financially attractive.

Working in more remote or underserved locations across South Australia can provide further financial incentives, allowing veterinary surgeons to maximize their earning potential while gaining valuable experience in rural practice.

If you’re a UK-trained Veterinary Surgeon considering a move to Australia, the process is straightforward for most graduates. All RCVS-accredited UK veterinary degrees—including those from the Royal Veterinary College, Bristol, Liverpool, Cambridge, Glasgow, Edinburgh (Dick Vet), Nottingham, Surrey, and Harper & Keele—are recognised by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) for direct registration.

This means you can apply directly to the veterinary board in any Australian state or territory for registration, without needing additional exams, provided you meet other requirements like English language proficiency and good standing from previous registrations.

If a UK veterinary degree were not AVBC-recognised (rare for accredited programs), you would need to complete the Australasian Veterinary Examination (AVE), which includes a multiple-choice preliminary exam and a final clinical assessment, before being eligible for registration.

For full details on registration and application procedures, visit the AVBC website and the relevant state veterinary board where you intend to practise.

If you are Veterinary Surgeon in the UK contemplating a move to Australia, then Prospect Health Recruitment has everything you need to know for a rewarding career oversees.

Read our Step-by-Step Pathway to Becoming a Veterinary Surgeon in Australia, with information on research and planning, eligibility and qualifications, registration, and much more.