Understanding the financial aspects of a medical career is crucial for aspiring and current doctors. This guide provides a detailed overview of medical doctor salaries in the UK for 2024, covering various positions from resident doctors to consultants and general practitioners (GPs).
Medical professional reviewing patient chart
Alt text: A dietitian carefully administers an injection to a patient in a clinical setting, highlighting the skilled care provided by medical professionals in the UK.
Resident Doctor Pay Scale in the UK
Resident doctors, also known as doctors in training, receive a basic salary along with additional payments for hours exceeding 40 per week. They are also compensated for night shifts with a 37% enhancement, weekend work, on-call availability, and other potential premiums.
Within the Foundation training, which is the initial stage after medical school, salaries range from £36,616 to £42,008 (effective from April 1, 2024). This range applies to Foundation Year 1 (FY1) and Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctors as they rotate through different specialties in hospitals or community settings.
For doctors progressing to specialist training in 2024, the basic medical doctor salary in the UK increases to £49,909 to £70,425. This reflects the increased responsibility and specialized skills acquired during this phase of their medical career.
Specialty Doctors and Specialist Grade Salaries
Specialty doctors in the UK earn a basic salary ranging from £59,175 to £95,400. This pay scale acknowledges their significant experience and expertise within a specific medical field, working autonomously while not holding consultant status.
Specialist grade doctors, a more senior role, command a higher basic medical doctor salary in the UK, ranging from £96,990 to £107,155 (from April 1, 2024). This reflects their advanced skills, extensive experience, and greater responsibilities within their specialties.
Consultant Medical Doctor Salary in the UK
Consultant doctors, who are senior specialists and leaders in their fields, earn a basic medical doctor salary in the UK starting from £105,504 to £139,882 per year (effective March 1, 2024). The exact point within this range depends on their length of service and experience as a consultant within the National Health Service (NHS).
Consultants have opportunities to augment their earnings through Clinical Excellence Awards, both local and national Clinical Impact Awards (formerly Clinical Excellence Awards). These competitive awards recognize contributions exceeding basic job requirements. Furthermore, taking on additional responsibilities in management, education, or research can lead to increased remuneration, reflecting the diverse roles consultants undertake within the NHS.
Many consultants also choose to supplement their NHS income with private practice, depending on their specialty and desired work-life balance outside of their contracted NHS hours.
General Practitioner (GP) Salary in the UK
General Practitioners in the UK have two primary contractual arrangements affecting their medical doctor salary.
Firstly, GPs can operate as independent contractors, managing their own practices as businesses, either individually or in partnerships. These GPs have significant autonomy in service delivery, guided by their contracts with NHS England. They are increasingly involved in commissioning hospital services for their local communities.
Secondly, GPs can be salaried employees, working directly for independent contractor practices or primary care organizations. As of April 1, 2024, the salary range for salaried GPs is £73,113 to £110,330. This reflects the vital role GPs play as the first point of contact for patients within the UK’s healthcare system.
Further Resources on Doctor Pay
For more detailed and up-to-date information regarding medical doctor salary in the UK, please visit the NHS Employers website. This resource provides comprehensive pay circulars and guidelines for medical staff within the NHS.
