When you're looking for GP jobs, you are likely going to see a lot of different posts with a variety of different pay rates and benefit plans. Sometimes, when you're applying for jobs, it can be hard to know how much you are worth or what you should request in terms of benefits, terms and compensation. To get a sense of what you should ask for from prospective employers, you may want to spend some time researching what other doctors in your position receive. Here are some of the essentials you should consider:

Salary

The median pay for a general physician is $100,000 per year, but the pay for a senior professional tends to be higher than $200,000 on average. As you talk with headhunters and hiring managers about potential posts, you should keep these numbers in mind. If you live in an area with a slightly lower cost of living or if you are just getting started, you may be comfortable taking a salary that is less than the median, but if you have years of experience, you probably want to insist on an annual salary that exceeds that amount.

Benefits

Employers are required to give their employees a certain number of statutory paid-days off every year, and of course, everyone has access to the national healthcare system. But when looking for GP jobs, you may want to look for benefits that go above and beyond those essentials. Many employers are now offering insurance benefits that kick in if you die or are disabled. The average for retirement benefits is 9.5%, but that's the minimum rate under the Superannuation Guarantee law so you may want to ask for a higher percentage of your pay to be put into your employer-sponsored retirement account.

Rural Compensation and Conditions

If you are thinking about taking a post in a rural area, keep in mind that your offer should be a lot higher than what you get paid in a city or a town in a well-populated area. For instance, many general physicians who go to rural areas receive up to $400,000 per year plus living expenses that cover housing and cars. However, in exchange for that, you have to live in an area where there may be violence or you may not have access to amenities such as fresh vegetables on a regular basis. Additionally, you may have to be on call more than normal. Remember to ask about all these issues before accepting a post.