Understanding Doctor Pay is crucial whether you’re embarking on a medical career or a seasoned professional. This guide breaks down the doctor pay grades in the UK for 2024, focusing on England and covering various roles from resident doctors to consultants and GPs.
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Resident Doctor Pay: Foundation and Specialist Training
Resident doctors, undergoing their initial training, receive a basic salary augmented by several additional payments. These include compensation for hours exceeding 40 per week, a 37% enhancement for night shifts, weekend allowances, on-call availability pay, and other potential premiums.
During Foundation training, a structured program following medical school, doctors earn between £36,616 and £42,008 as of April 1, 2024. This stage is divided into the first year (FY1) and second year (FY2), forming the bridge to specialist training.
For doctors commencing specialist training in 2024, the basic doctor pay scale ranges from £49,909 to £70,425. This reflects the increased responsibility and specialization undertaken at this career stage.
Specialty Doctors and Specialist Grade Pay
Specialty doctors, who have progressed beyond initial training but are not consultants, earn a basic salary ranging from £59,175 to £95,400. Specialist grade doctors, a more senior role within this category, see their basic doctor pay ascend to between £96,990 and £107,155 (effective from April 1, 2024). This pay scale acknowledges their developed expertise and experience within a specialty.
Consultant Doctor Pay: Expertise and Experience Rewarded
Consultant doctors, senior specialists in their fields, command a higher doctor pay scale reflecting their expertise and leadership roles. As of March 1, 2024, a consultant’s basic salary ranges from £105,504 to £139,882 per year, varying with their length of service within the role.
Beyond the basic salary, consultants have opportunities to increase their earnings through Clinical Excellence Awards at both local and national levels. These competitive awards recognize contributions exceeding standard job requirements. Additional responsibilities in management or education also attract supplementary pay, acknowledging the broader roles consultants often undertake. Furthermore, consultants may choose to engage in private practice to augment their income, depending on their specialty and desired work-life balance outside of their NHS commitments.
General Practitioner (GP) Pay: Contractor vs. Salaried Roles
General Practitioners operate under two primary contractual models, impacting their doctor pay structure. They can be:
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Independent Contractor GPs: These GPs manage their own practices as businesses, either individually or in partnerships. They possess autonomy in service delivery, guided by their contract with NHS England. In England, these GPs are increasingly involved in commissioning hospital services for their communities.
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Salaried GPs: Salaried GPs are employed by independent contractor practices or directly by primary care organizations. As of April 1, 2024, the doctor pay range for salaried GPs is £73,113 to £110,330. This structure provides a more stable income compared to the contractor model, although it may come with less autonomy in practice management.
Further Resources on Doctor Pay
For more detailed information on doctor pay scales and related policies, please visit the NHS Employers website. This resource provides comprehensive details and updates on doctor pay within the NHS.
