No question about it: Australia is a growing nation - and doctors are seeing an uptick in their patient volume. As a locum GP, you may be able to improve your earning power by applying your capabilities where they're needed most - which may be a distance away from where you currently reside.

Based on the most recent data available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the nation's population now tops 25.4 million. That's an increase of 381,600 people compared to 2018, or what translates to a growth rate of 1.5%.

The city is naturally a great place to live in, being close to plenty of attractions, workplaces, delicious restaurants and the other appealing aspects of city dwelling. However, the cost of living tends to be higher, which has led many families who either recently moved to Australia from overseas - or always lived in urban locales - to relocate to more remote communities. This has enabled them to buy homes at a more affordable price.

At the same time, though, reducing expenses haven't come without a different kind of price, as access to medical facilities isn't quite as easy to come by in rural areas as it is in metropolitan locales and the suburban neighbourhoods.

This is the primary reason why rural medical jobs are paying more these days. In fact, the Australian Government, which largely controls how public health systems are run in states and municipalities, are actively encouraging doctors to take their talents to parts of the country that are more agrarian in nature. In doing so, more patients have access to doctors - both GPs as well as specialists - and reduce the level of volume affecting medical facilities located in the city. Additionally, because there is a greater demand for GPs in rural Australia, these positions tend to be high paying, sometimes more than for the same position at doctors' offices in major metropolitan locations.

Here are a couple other reasons why transitioning your medical job to a rural or remote location may be worth it:

Older couples frequently move to rural locales, especially after retirement.

The population is aging

Even though a new baby in Australia is born, on average, every minute and 44 seconds - according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics - the nation is growing older. In 2017, for example, around 1 in 7 Australians were senior citizens, meaning 65 years of age or older. Not only that, but people are living longer, with the average 65-year-old man expected to live an additional 20 years and women of the same age another 22 years.

Since many people downsize and live in more rural settings as they age, the population of rural neighbourhoods tends to skew older. Since more people require health services over time, increasing the supply of qualified GPs becomes critical. Moving to wherever there is a need can help you expand your experience and earn more as well.

Your dollar goes farther

Aside from the fact that rural locum GP jobs are paying more, residing in remote locations usually cost less, from groceries to utilities. Thus, what you would be unable to afford in the city you can in the country.

If practicing medicine in another state is something you've been thinking about, Your Doctor Jobs can help you make the transition. Contact us and let us know where you'd like to go.