Understanding doctor pay scales can be complex, with different grades and types of roles affecting earnings. This guide breaks down the pay for doctors in England in 2024, covering positions from resident doctors to consultants and GPs.
A healthcare professional, possibly a doctor or dietitian, administers an injection to a patient, illustrating medical care within the NHS.
Resident Doctors: Foundation and Specialist Training Pay
Resident doctors, also known as doctors in training, receive a basic salary with additional pay for extra hours, night shifts, weekend work, and on-call availability.
During Foundation training, which is the initial postgraduate training after medical school, doctors earn between £36,616 and £42,008 per year from April 2024. This stage includes Foundation Year 1 (FY1) and Foundation Year 2 (FY2).
For doctors beginning specialist training in 2024, the basic salary ranges from £49,909 to £70,425. This reflects the increased responsibility and specialization in their medical careers.
Specialty Doctors and Specialist Grade Pay
Specialty doctors earn a basic salary ranging from £59,175 to £95,400. This grade is for doctors who have progressed beyond specialist training but have not yet become consultants.
Specialist grade doctors, a more senior role, command a higher basic salary, from £96,990 to £107,155 per year (from April 2024). This reflects their advanced expertise and experience within a specialty.
Consultant Doctors: Earning Potential
Consultant doctors, senior leaders in their specialties, earn a basic salary starting from £105,504 to £139,882 per year (from March 2024), depending on their years of service. Consultants can also increase their earnings through Clinical Excellence Awards at local and national levels, recognizing contributions beyond their standard job duties. Additional responsibilities in management or education also lead to higher pay.
Furthermore, consultants have the option to supplement their NHS income with private practice, depending on their specialty and availability outside of their contracted NHS hours.
General Practitioners (GPs): Contractor vs. Salaried GP Pay
General Practitioners have two main contractual arrangements affecting their pay:
- Independent Contractor GPs: These GPs manage their own practices as businesses, either individually or in partnerships. Their income depends on their NHS contract and how they manage their practice. They also have increasing responsibilities in commissioning local hospital services.
- Salaried GPs: These GPs are employed by independent practices or primary care organizations. Their pay range is between £73,113 and £110,330 per year from April 2024.
Further Information on Doctor Pay
For detailed and up-to-date information about doctor pay scales and contracts, please visit the NHS Employers website. This resource provides comprehensive pay circulars and guidelines for medical staff in the UK.
