NHS Doctor Jobs & their Salaries
- September 03, 2024
Navigating the NHS pay scales can be complex for international doctors considering a career in the UK. The NHS features various grades of doctors, each with its own pay scale and role within the National Health Service. This article provides a clear and concise overview of these different doctor grades, their corresponding pay, and the roles they fulfill within the NHS.
In this guide, we will explore:
- The different grades of doctors in the NHS
- The pay scales associated with each grade
- The specific roles and responsibilities of each doctor grade
Whether you’re an IMG preparing for your career in the UK or a current NHS doctor seeking clarity on pay structures, this article will help you understand the key aspects of NHS doctor salaries and job roles.
- Designations of UK doctors
- Medical students
- Junior doctors
- SAS doctors
- Consultants
- Trust doctors
- General Practitioners
- Locum doctors
- Academic doctors
- Pay and conditions circulars
Designations of UK doctors
Other than for medical students, all doctors we list below are medically qualified and can use the title Dr before their name. For historical reasons in the UK, surgeons may use the title ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Miss’ or ‘Ms’. A doctor that is a university professor may also use the title ‘Professor’ instead of ‘Dr’.
Medical students
Medical students usually undertake a five-year course of study for undergraduate or a four-year postgraduate course to become a doctor.
Two years studying basic medical sciences is followed by three years more clinically focused training, during which they will work in hospital wards under the supervision of consultants.
Following completion of their medical degree, newly qualified doctors gain provisional registration with the GMC. They will receive their primary medical qualification which is typically denoted in the UK by either: MBBS, MBChB, BM, MBBCh.
Junior doctors
Medical graduates enter the medical workforce as junior doctors. They are employed on a national negotiated contract on a two-year work-based training programme known as the Foundation Programme. The Foundation Programme is the first level of clinical training for a qualified doctor, bridging the gap between medical school and Specialty Training.
The Foundation Programme is carried out in hospitals over two years which are referred to as FY1 and FY2. Upon completion of FY1, a doctor will gain full registration with the GMC.
Completion of FY2 allows doctors to apply for further study and training in a specialised area of medicine, known as Specialty Training. Doctors enter Specialty Training at ST1 and the length and type of training will depend on the specialty chosen – specialist training can take up to eight years.
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) your basic salary is £32,398. In year two this increases to £37,303.
If you are a doctor starting your Specialty Training, your basic salary starts at £37,068 and can progress to £46,404.
Staff Grade, Associate Specialist and Specialty Doctors (SAS Doctors):
SAS doctors are in non-training roles where the doctor has at least four years of postgraduate training, two of which being in a relevant specialty (FY1, FY2 and two years specialist training). This means doctors can move into these posts at various levels of experience and seniority whilst also gaining experience and promotion within the grade itself.
SAS doctors are typically more focused on meeting service requirements when compared to trainee or consultant roles. Often, they have considerably fewer administrative duties when compared to consultants and can have very ‘hands on’ roles with lots of patient contact. Specialty doctors currently earn from £59,175 to £95,400 basic pay. As an overseas doctor, there are many factors that will determine where on this pay scale an HR department places you, so it is hard to provide one general rule to help you estimate what salary you might be eligible for.
Whilst the titles staff grade, specialty doctor and associate specialist are all commonly used, recent changes to terminology means that all SAS doctors are now on Specialty Doctor contracts.
WANT TO KNOW WHERE YOU WOULD BE PLACED ONTO THE NHS PAY SCALES? REGISTER HERE FOR CONSULTATION AND ADVICE.
Consultants
Consultants are senior doctors that have completed full specialist medical training in a specialised area of medicine and are listed on the GMC’s specialist register, gaining the accreditation CCT. Doctors can also meet the criteria for specialist registration via the CESR route, consider your eligibility for CESR here.
Consultants have clinical and administrative responsibilities in managing SAS and junior doctors.
Consultants currently earn from £99,532 to £131,964 basic pay and as an international doctor, your years' completed as a consultant will place you on this scale.
Trust doctors:
Trust doctors in the NHS are employed for service posts, and trust doctor is a term applied to a doctor who is working in the NHS in a non-training post. Trust doctor jobs in the NHS cover a range of grades and apply to all specialties.
Typically, the title trust doctor is applied to a doctor working at Senior House Level (FY1 & 2), however the term has now become synonymous with all grades. It is now a term most commonly applied to doctors from FY1 to ST3 but can be applied to specialty doctors by some trusts.
Many of the doctors accepting service posts are from overseas as this can be a quick way to enter the NHS system and start your career in the UK.
Trust doctor posts also offer very competitive rates, so whilst you are getting to know the NHS and settling into life in the UK, you can also ensure that you are financially rewarded.
Locum Doctors
Locums doctors are fully qualified doctors who temporarily cover a position, often covering things like sick leave or maternity. All doctors can work as a locum aside from FY1 doctors and it can be done via an agency or NHS locum post. Overseas consultants not yet on the specialist register can apply for locum consultant positions, not substantive.
Academic Doctors
Academic doctors often combine clinical care with teaching and research, doing so to develop the science of medicine. They can be any grade of doctor from an FY2 to a consultant, GP or SAS doctor. Common academic job titles, in order of seniority are:
- Prof Professor
- CSL Senior Clinical Lecturer / Associate Professor
- CRF Clinical Research Fellow
- CL Clinical Lecturer
- ACF Academic Clinical Fellow
Pay and Conditions Circulars:
Current national salary scales for all medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers' website.
To explore doctor pay and salary conditions across all grades in the UK, including NHS pay in Wales, check out our series of blogs on career structure and NHS salaries in our IMG Resources library.
Relevant Jobs
Consultant Psychiatrist – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
South Wales
A dynamic and transformational CAMHS service in South Wales is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in child and adolescent mental health. The successful candidate will join a well-established multidisciplinary team delivering specialist care across the region, contributing to service development and clinical leadership within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a progressive mental health service with access to regional tier 4 services and a population of approximately 380,000. The post supports the organisation’s strategic vision to integrate CAMHS more closely into community settings while developing clinical pathways in areas including eating disorders, complex care, youth justice, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
We welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements and will support CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) development on an individual basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
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Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
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Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
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Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
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Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
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Experience delivering psychiatric care in CAMHS or related services is required.
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A collaborative, developmental, and family-focused approach, with excellent communication and leadership skills, is highly valued.
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Opportunities for career development through CPD, peer supervision, quality improvement, and service leadership.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide consultant-level psychiatric care to children and adolescents as part of a multidisciplinary CAMHS team.
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Lead clinical care planning, review, and treatment delivery in partnership with colleagues across mental health, health, education, and social care.
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Work closely with specialist regional services including adolescent inpatient units, eating disorder outreach services, and forensic CAMHS consultation teams.
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Participate in the CAMHS consultant on-call rota (with prospective cover).
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Contribute to service improvement, pathway development, and integrated working in line with strategic planning goals.
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Provide supervision and clinical leadership to junior medical staff and allied professionals.
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Participate in annual appraisal, job planning, and revalidation, with access to local peer groups and CPD.
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Uphold principles of clinical governance, information governance, and risk management across the CAMHS Directorate.
LIFE IN SOUTH WALES
South Wales offers a rare combination of coastal beauty, green open spaces, and urban convenience. With beautiful landscapes, affordable living, and excellent local amenities, it is an ideal location for professionals and families alike. The region is well-connected by public transport and road networks and offers easy access to nearby cities and airports.
Healthcare professionals in the area benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment and access to a wide network of services across health, education, and social care.
If you are passionate about delivering outstanding CAMHS care and want to help shape future services in a supportive, innovative setting, we welcome your application. Please note that we may close this post early if sufficient applications are received.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
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CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
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At least two video interview preparation sessions.
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Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:
-
Document gathering and checking.
-
COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
-
Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
Consultant Psychiatrist – Acute Inpatient Service
South of England | Close to London
- Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
- Recruitment premia £15,000 over 3 years *subject to policy requirements
- Relocation allowance: up to £8000 *subject to policy requirements
An inclusive and progressive NHS mental health trust in the South of England is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in acute inpatient care. The successful candidate will join a compassionate and collaborative multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality psychiatric care to adults and clinical leadership across inpatient services. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading NHS Foundation Trust known for integrated working, a strong culture of kindness and respect, and its commitment to clinical excellence and innovation.
Applications are welcome for full-time, part-time, or flexible working patterns. CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) support is available and tailored to individual needs.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
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Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
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Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
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Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
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Clinical experience in managing acute adult mental illness in inpatient settings is required.
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Strong teamworking, communication, and leadership skills are essential.
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Ongoing opportunities for professional development through training, leadership pathways, teaching, and academic engagement.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide Consultant-level psychiatric care to adult inpatients, in line with the Trust’s Acute Operational Policy.
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Deliver clinical leadership and active involvement in quality improvement initiatives.
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Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach to care.
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Coordinate with specialist and community teams to ensure effective patient transitions and continuity of care.
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Supervise and support junior doctors, specialty trainees, and students.
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Participate in Consultant on-call rota (details available on request).
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Engage in audit, teaching, research, and service development activities.
LIFE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
Located in the South of England, this opportunity offers the perfect balance of professional fulfilment and quality of life. The area combines vibrant urban centres, picturesque countryside, and excellent transport links — with London just 30 minutes away by train, and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports nearby for easy international travel.
This region is known for its historic market towns, outstanding schools, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Whether you\'re relocating alone or with family, it offers something for everyone — from city convenience to coastal calm.
The Trust is committed to inclusivity, wellbeing, and the development of its workforce, offering access to flexible working and a wide range of staff benefits.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
-
At least two video interview preparation sessions.
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:
-
Document gathering and checking.
-
COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
-
Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
An NHS district general hospital in the West Midlands is looking for a Specialist Grade Haematologist with an interest in haemato-oncology, laboratory haematology and blood transfusion. The Haematology department comprises a team of 3 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Haematology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath (or equivalent) are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
FRCPath (or equivalent) and broad experience in clinical and laboratory haematology are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in clinical trials, haemato-oncology, education, or blood transfusion should apply. The salary will be between £96,990 to £107,155 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide clinical support in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working closely with consultants and the multidisciplinary team.
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Participate in the delivery of chemotherapy and specialist care via the dedicated oncology/haematology unit.
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Contribute to clinical governance, teaching of junior doctors and nurse practitioners, and development of service pathways.
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Assist with laboratory haematology duties including blood film reporting, and advise on transfusion and diagnostic services.
LIFE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
This hospital is located in a picturesque region of the West Midlands, with access to both rural retreats and small city living. Residents enjoy a mix of traditional market towns and vibrant city centres, with good schools, easy rail access to Birmingham, and plenty of green spaces for outdoor activities. The area has deep historical roots, from medieval cathedrals to Roman forts, offering a unique combination of heritage and modern living.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS hospital in South East England is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancers. The Oncology department comprises a team of four Clinical Oncologists and a Consultant Radiographer, supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration, GMC Specialist Register, CCT, or CESR are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
GMC registration with a license to practice, CESR, or a GMC-recognised qualification such as FRCR is required for this role. Anyone with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 – £139,882 dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide expert oncology care for patients diagnosed with Upper and Lower GI cancers, overseeing treatment plans and managing patient care.
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Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across sites to coordinate treatment.
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Contribute to research and clinical trials within the Oncology department, promoting innovation in GI cancer treatment.
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Engage in teaching opportunities with medical students and junior doctors, especially in preparation for the launch of a new postgraduate medical programme.
LIFE IN SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
This hospital is located in the South East of England, a region known for its mix of lively coastal cities and peaceful countryside towns. It offers great transport links to London, top-performing schools, and diverse leisure options, including historic landmarks, nature trails, and vibrant cultural scenes. The area is rich in maritime and military history, making it a unique and engaging place to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
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CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
-
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
-
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
-
Document gathering and checking
-
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
-
Travel arrangements
-
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
-
An NHS district general hospital in Yorkshire is looking for a Consultant Dermatologist with an interest in skin cancer and minor skin surgery. The Dermatology department comprises a team of locum consultants, an experienced Specialty Doctor, and a Biologic Nurse Consultant, supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Dermatology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (UK) or SCE are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Full GMC registration and significant experience in general dermatology and minor surgery, are required for this role. Anyone with an interest in skin cancer management and dermatological surgery should apply. The salary will be between £109,725 and £145,478 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Deliver high-quality general dermatology services, including urgent and routine outpatient clinics.
- Participate in subspecialty clinics, particularly for skin cancer diagnosis, management, and surgery.
- Contribute to departmental management, teaching, and supervision of junior doctors and medical students.
- Support service development and clinical governance through audit, guideline development, and education initiatives.
LIFE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
???????This hospital is situated in the north of England, with popular residential areas including vibrant cities and picturesque countryside locations. Urban dwellers may enjoy city life in places like Sheffield or Leeds, while rural enthusiasts might prefer the surrounding villages and national parks. The region offers great schools, excellent transport connections, and a wide variety of leisure activities for all lifestyles. Historically significant for its industrial roots, the area remains a vital and evolving part of British heritage and modern living.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
- Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel Arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care