Navigating the landscape of doctor salaries in the UK can be complex, with various pay grades depending on experience and specialization. This guide breaks down the earnings for doctors in England in 2024, from resident doctors to consultants and GPs.
A doctor carefully examining a patient's medical chart, representing the diverse roles and pay scales within the UK healthcare system.
Resident Doctor Pay Scales
Resident doctors, undergoing their initial training, receive a basic salary with additional compensation for hours exceeding 40 per week, night shifts (enhanced by 37%), weekend work, on-call availability, and other potential premiums.
During Foundation training, resident doctors earn between £36,616 and £42,008 annually (effective from April 1, 2024). For doctors commencing specialist training in 2024, the basic salary ranges from £49,909 to £70,425.
Specialty Doctors and Specialist Grade Pay
Specialty doctors in the UK earn a basic salary ranging from £59,175 to £95,400. Specialist grade doctors, with further experience and qualifications, receive a higher basic salary, from £96,990 to £107,155 per year (from April 1, 2024).
Consultant Doctor Salaries
Consultant roles represent senior positions within the medical hierarchy. As of March 1, 2024, consultants’ basic salaries range from £105,504 to £139,882 per year, contingent on their length of service. Consultants have opportunities to augment their income through local Clinical Excellence Awards and national Clinical Impact Awards, recognizing contributions beyond basic job requirements. Additional payments are also available for assuming extra responsibilities in management or education. Private practice also presents an option for consultants to increase their earnings outside of their NHS commitments, depending on their specialty and availability.
General Practitioner (GP) Pay
General Practitioners operate under two main contractual frameworks. Some GPs are independent contractors managing their own practices as businesses, either individually or in partnerships. These GPs have significant autonomy in service delivery as defined by their contracts with NHS England and are increasingly involved in commissioning hospital services for their communities.
Alternatively, GPs can be salaried employees within independent contractor practices or directly employed by primary care organizations. As of April 1, 2024, the salary range for salaried GPs is £73,113 to £110,330.
Further Resources on Doctor Pay
For comprehensive details regarding doctor pay scales and related information, please refer to the NHS Employers website. NHS Employers website provides detailed pay circulars and updates.
