Veterinary Surgeon Jobs in Melbourne, Australia

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

Salaries are generally competitive across metropolitan Melbourne, while some outer suburban and regional Victorian areas may offer additional incentives to attract veterinary professionals. Positions in high-demand or underserved locations can provide strong earning potential, including relocation assistance, accommodation support, and other benefits—making these roles especially appealing for veterinary surgeons seeking both career advancement and an excellent 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 of Victoria, Melbourne 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 specialised fields.

Surrounding regional areas such as Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo may offer additional incentives to attract veterinary professionals, particularly in locations experiencing higher demand. While base salaries generally remain within a similar range, these roles can include relocation support, accommodation allowances, and other benefits, making them financially appealing.

Working in more remote or underserved parts of Victoria can provide further financial incentives, allowing veterinary surgeons to maximise their earning potential while gaining valuable experience in rural and mixed practice settings.

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.