Doctors: Want a Bigger Retirement Nest Egg? Do THIS

If you’re a doctor, your super could be working so much harder for you — and most people don’t even realise it. Whether you’re saving lives in a hospital, running your own private practice, or juggling both, right now is a prime moment to check whether your super strategy is actually doing its job. A few smart tweaks today could mean massive tax savings and a seriously stronger retirement tomorrow.

Concessional Contributions (Pre-Tax) 

The easiest tax win most doctors miss.

For 2025/26, the concessional cap is $30,000 — covering employer SG, salary sacrifice, and deductible personal contributions. If you’re under 75 (and meet the work test if you’re 67–75), you can claim a deduction for personal contributions.

Example:
Dr Mary earns a combined $380k from hospital and private work. Her employer chips in $23k in SG. By adding $7k herself, she maxes out the cap — and locks in a valuable tax deduction.

Catch-Up Contributions

Got unused cap space? Turn it into tax savings.

If your Total Super Balance was under $500k on 30 June 2026, you can scoop up unused concessional caps from the last five years. This is gold in a high-income or high–capital gain year, helping you reduce tax while boosting your super fast.

Non-Concessional Contributions (After-Tax)

For doctors wanting to seriously accelerate wealth.

The non-concessional cap is $120k — or up to $360k with the bring-forward rule (if under 75).
If your balance is under $1.9 million, you’re eligible.
This is a powerful strategy to shift more of your wealth into super’s low-tax environment as you move closer to retirement.

Super Guarantee Increase

The SG rise to 12% is a chance to boost your savings.

The SG went up on 1 July 2025. Check your contract: does your employer pay super on top of your salary, or is it bundled into your package? The difference impacts your take-home pay. High earners should also keep an eye on the maximum contribution base — once you hit it, your employer doesn’t have to keep paying SG.

Account-Based Pensions 

Retired and over 60? This is where the magic happens.

Switching to an ABP means tax-free income and tax-free investment earnings (within the cap, which rises to $2 million in 2025/26). Just make sure you meet the minimum pension withdrawal by 30 June so everything stays tax-free.

Transition to Retirement

Keep your income up and taxes down while you ease into retirement.

If you’re 59–64 and still working, a TRIS lets you draw a super pension while continuing to work. Earnings are taxed at just 15% until you retire or hit 65 — then it can convert to an ABP and become completely tax-free. Thinking of stopping work before 65? Make sure you let your fund know so you don’t get hit with the wrong tax.

The Takeaway

Super isn’t just a compliance checkbox — it’s a wealth-building machine. A few smart tweaks now could save you tax, increase your retirement balance, and give you far more financial freedom when you finally hang up the stethoscope.