NHS England - Doctors' Pay Scales Explained

  • August 01, 2024
 

Understanding your NHS job's salary or pay is essential for overseas doctors new to the UK.

Doctors play an integral part in delivering high quality patient care in the NHS and as such, they are rewarded with competitive pay rates and benefits. 

NHS pay scales can be confusing, particularly for overseas doctors. Here we hope to provide some clarity to help you understand the NHS grades and how they fit on the various NHS pay scales.

In this article we will take a look at the following topics:  

Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.

Trust doctor jobs and IMGs' pay

It is important to note that the majority of overseas doctors will start their career in the UK in a fixed term trust doctor role (also known as a service post), before taking up a training position. Doctors across all grades can enter a service post which means to say that they are not in training or entering specialty training. 

As such, most of our adverts for fixed term or permanent posts will be service level jobs, these are usually SAS doctor, consultant, SHO or Trust doctor posts at the equivalent of FY2, ST1/2, ST3+.These can be attractive due to the improved doctor’s salaries that can be negotiated for fixed term contracts, based on experience and demand. 


The salary pay scales that we have included in this article are to be used as a guide or starting point for negotiating your trust doctor role (or service post). 


Typical NHS doctor’s salary in the UK

FY1 & FY2

In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) your basic salary is £32,398. As an FY2 this increases to £37,303. 

As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums. 

Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8) 

If you are a doctor starting your specialist training in 2019, your basic salary starts at £43,923 and can progress to £63,152.

As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums. 

Specialty doctors

Specialty doctors currently earn from £59,175 to £95,400 basic pay. 

The basic contract is for 40 hours. As a specialty doctor you can be paid for additional duties, extra hours worked, weekend work and on calls. 

Specialist Grade

A key element of recent SAS contract reform is the introduction of a new grade, called the Specialist grade, which will provide an opportunity for career progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. Specialist Grade doctors can earn a basic of between £96,990 to £107,155.

Consultants

Consultants currently earn from £105,504 to £139,882 basic pay.

As a consultant you can be paid for additional duties and may be eligible for Clinical Excellence Awards, which reward outstanding performance. The basic contract is for 40 hours per week.

If you take on extra responsibilities (i.e. management or education) you can also expect to be paid additional supplements. 

So where do I fit on the pay scale?

There are a few key points when considering where you fit on the pay scale: 

  • Job title
  • Experience
  • Hours worked
  • Trusts can be different

Job title:

The first thing to consider is your job title. 

At the Consultant level, it is straight forward, you will be a consultant. However, at the Specialty Doctor level, you could be working as an SAS doctor, a Specialty Doctor or a Trust Grade doctor. As an ST or SHO you could also work across several levels. 

Each could command a different pay scale depending on the level of work and experience required. 

Take some time to check the job title that you are applying and interviewing for, and subsequently the pay scale that you can expect. 

Experience within your chosen field: 

Next, consider the number of years of experience you have in your specialty, this is crucial to identifying your position on the pay scale. 

This is important as an NHS Trust will calculate your pay for a Specialty Doctor in Medicine by deducting two of your years of experience to compensate for the Core Training years in the UK. Please note, for some specialties this does not apply, check with an IMG Consultant for more information. 

Hours you will work: 

The second thing to consider is how many hours you will be working. For both Specialty Doctors and Consultants, the hours are usually established using PAs (programmed activities). Each PA is worth 4 hrs of your week, and a standard week is 40 hrs. A standard salary is based on a full working week of 10 PAs (40 hours). If you work above 10 PAs, then you will gain additional salary on top of your basic pay. 

NHS trusts can be different: 

The last thing to consider before we look at the pay scales, is that some NHS Trusts can interpret the pay scales and a doctor’s experience in different ways. All NHS Trusts should be following the same pay scale structures when recruiting and offering salaries to doctors, but this is not always the case!  

This blog is a guideline, and if you are not sure of how to approach this discussion with an HR department, it can be very useful for an IMG Connect consultant to assist with the negotiations to ensure that your experience is always taken into account.

Pay scales:

Doctors in training pay scale

Service level jobs are in high demand at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay. It is also important to remember that once in the UK, you will have the option to apply for training, depending on your entry level. 

The below pay scale reflects the pay at each level depending on the entry points to training, which are FY1, ST1/CT1 and ST3/4. 

The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result. 

As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand. 

Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)

Grade

Stage of training 

Grade Code 

Nodal Point 

Value (£) 

Foundation Doctor Year 1

FY1

MF01

1

32,398

Foundation Doctor Year 2

FY2

MF01

2

37,303

Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)

CT1

MC51

3

43,923 

CT2

MC52

55,329

CT3

MC53

4

55,329 

Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)

ST1 / SpR1

MS01

3

43,923 

ST2 / SpR2

MS02

ST3 / SpR3

MS03

 

4

 


 

 

5

 

55,329

 


 

 

63,152 

ST4 / SpR4

MS04

ST5 / SpR5

MS05

ST6 / SpR6

MS06

ST7 / SpR7

MS07

ST8 / SpR8

MS08

Full details of total salaries for doctors in full-time training is available to download in the pay circular below including:

  • banding supplements
  • total salaries for trainees working less than 40 hours a week
  • less than full-time trainees pay arrangements.

The BMA has also produced pay tables which estimate pay for full-time doctors in training, based on your own working patterns, which you can find here.


Specialty Doctor pay scale: 

Service level specialty doctor jobs are in high demand in England at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay. 

It is important to note that your pay will reflect your experience within your chosen field. 

The pay code on the left-hand side of the table below correlates to the number of years’ experience that you qualify for in your chosen specialty, and the number of years that the HR department are going to attribute to you. 

Remember to discount any years that you have worked in an internship. And if you are working in a medicine specialty, deduct any core training years. 

In the first threshold, for every year of experience you gain, this entitles you to a pay rise. In the second threshold, you will receive an increase every two years, and in the third, every three years. 

The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result. 

As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand. 

Pay Scale Code

Years' Experience

Basic Salary (£)

Period before eligibility for next pay point

MC75-01

0

59,175 

3 years

MC75-02

1

59,175 

2 years

MC75-03

2

59,175 

1 year

MC75-04

3

68,174 

2 years

MC75-05

4

68,174 

1 year

MC75-06

5

68,174 

1 year

MC75-07

6

75,998 

3 years

MC75-08

7

75,998 

2 years

MC75-09

8

75,998 

1 year

Threshold

MC75-10

9

84,121 

3 years

MC75-11

10

84,121 

2 years

MC75-12

11

84,121 

1 year

MC75-13

12

95,400 

5 years

MC75-14

13

95,400 

4 years

MC75-15

14

95,400 

3 years

MC75-16

15

95,400 

2 years

MC75-17

16

95,400 

1 year

MC75-18

17

95,400 

-


Specialist Grade: 

The introduction of a new Specialist grade will provide an opportunity for progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. The introduction of the role will help to recruit, motivate and retain senior doctors and contribute to SAS grades being a positive and fulfilling career choice. The new pay structure will enable SAS doctors to access the top of the pay scale more quickly than the current system, increasing the career average earnings.

Pay Scale Code

Years' Experience

Basic Salary (£)

Period before eligibility for next pay point

MC70–01

0

96,990

3 years

MC70-02

1

96,990

2 years

MC70-03

2

96,990

1 year

MC70-04

3

100,784 

3 years

MC70-05


MC70-06

4


5

100,784 


100,784 

2 years


1 year

MC70-07

6 107,155  -


Consultant pay scale: 

Service level consultant doctor jobs are in high demand in England at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay. 

At the consultant grade, HR departments will look at your years of experience within your specialty, as a consultant. 

On the table below, you can see that all you need to do is count up the total number of complete years of experience (12 months each) as a consultant, and then count down the rows to establish your salary position. 

Like the above, the salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result. 

Remember, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand. 

Years completed as a consultant:

Threshold

Years complete as a consultant

Basic Salary (£)

Period of eligibility for next threshold

Pay scale code

1

0

105,504  

1 year

YC72 Point 00

2

1

105,504 

1 year

YC72 Point 01

3

2

105,504 

1 year

YC72 Point 02

4

3

111,714 

1 year

YC72 Point 03

5

4

114,894

5 years

YC72 Point 04

 

5

114,894

4 years

YC72 Point 05

 

6

114,894

3 years

YC72 Point 06

 

7

114,894

2 years

YC72 Point 07

 

8

126,018 

1 year

YC72 Point 08

6

9

126,018

5 years

YC72 Point 09

 

10

126,018 

4 years

YC72 Point 10

 

11

126,018 

3 years

YC72 Point 11

 

12

126,018 

2 years

YC72 Point 12

 

13

126,018 

1 year

YC72 Point 13

7

14

139,882  

5 years

YC72 Point 14

 

15

139,882 

4 years

YC72 Point 15

 

16

139,882 

3 years

YC72 Point 16

 

17

139,882 

2 years

YC72 Point 17

 

18

139,882 

1 year

YC72 Point 18

8

19

139,882

-

YC72 Point 19


Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms & conditions

Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website. 

You may be eligible for additional pay on top of your basic salary if you work above the standard 10 PAs, work on call & weekends, or take on extra responsibilities. All doctors are eligible for NHS pensions and benefits. 


Getting started 

NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS. 

Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account. 

For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay scales across the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library. 

 

Relevant Jobs

105,504 - 139,882
An NHS hospital in South West England is looking for a Consultant Gastroenterologist with an interest in gastrointestinal endoscopy and general gastroenterology. The Gastroenterology department is made up of a team of consultants and supported by middle-grade doctors. This role is open to both UK-based and international candidates, with preference given to those holding MRCP (UK) or equivalent and CCT in Gastroenterology +/- General Internal Medicine (GIM).

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
  • Candidates must hold MRCP (UK) or equivalent and be eligible for CCT in Gastroenterology +/- GIM (or obtain within six months of interview).
  • Experience in gastrointestinal endoscopy, ward-based gastroenterology, and outpatient services is required.
  • The salary will be between £93,666 – £126,281 per annum, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
  • Provide treatment and care for gastroenterology patients, including inpatient, outpatient, and endoscopy services.
  • Participate in the on-call rota for gastroenterology emergencies and out-of-hours ward cover.
  • Engage in teaching and training of junior doctors, contributing to their professional development.
  • Support clinical governance activities, including audits, quality initiatives, and structured judgement reviews.
LIFE IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

This hospital is located in a scenic region of South West England, offering a mix of urban and rural living. Candidates can choose to live in a lively market town with excellent amenities or opt for a more peaceful setting in the surrounding countryside. The region provides good transport links, excellent schools, and a variety of leisure activities including hiking, cycling, and water sports.

Historically, this area is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and strong local traditions, making it a great place to live and work.

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
105,504 - 139,882

A leading NHS hospital in the UK is seeking a Consultant in Hepatology to join its growing Gastroenterology and Hepatology team. The department consists of experienced consultants and specialist nurses, providing a dedicated hepatology service. This role is open to both UK-based and international candidates, with preference for those holding CESR or entry on the GMC Specialist Register.

Portfolio support (formerly CESR) is available and can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS

  • Full GMC Registration and CESR or entry on the GMC Specialist Register are required.
  • The role includes responsibilities in outpatient hepatology, inpatient care, and endoscopy.
  • The salary will range from £105,504 to £139,882 per annum, based on experience.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE

  • Deliver specialist hepatology care, including managing liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatobiliary conditions.
  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with gastroenterologists, radiologists, and oncologists.
  • Participate in endoscopic procedures, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
  • Take part in teaching, training junior doctors and medical students.
  • Engage in clinical governance, research, and quality improvement projects.
  • Contribute to the on-call gastroenterology service and weekend cover.

LIFE IN THE REGION

This role is based in a highly desirable UK region, known for stunning landscapes, excellent transport links, and a rich cultural history. The area offers outstanding schools, a range of family-friendly activities, and a fantastic work-life balance.

With historic landmarks, world-famous attractions, and a modern healthcare infrastructure, the region provides an ideal environment for professionals looking to develop their careers.

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 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 and family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care.
96,990 - 107,155
An independent healthcare service is looking for a Staff Grade Psychiatrist to join a Community Mental Health Team. The department comprises a multidisciplinary team providing care for individuals with severe mental health challenges. This role is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
  • A medical degree, full professional registration, and suitable psychiatric qualifications are required for this role. Experience in community or inpatient mental health services is essential.
  • The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
  • Conduct psychiatric assessments and formulate treatment plans for individuals with severe mental health challenges with adult populations. 
  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and care planning sessions.
  • Provide supervision to junior doctors and engage in research or quality improvement projects.
  • Maintain professional standards through continuous learning and contribution to educational activities.
LIFE IN THE REGION

This position is based in a location offering both urban and rural living options, with easy access to local amenities, beaches, and countryside homes. Families will appreciate the excellent schools, transport links, and diverse leisure activities available in the area. The region is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and vibrant community, making it an attractive place to live and work.
105,504 - 139,882
An NHS district general hospital in South West England is looking for an Interventional Radiology Consultant with an interest in vascular and non-vascular intervention. The Radiology department consists of a team of interventional radiologists and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This role is open to both international and UK-based doctors, with preference given to those holding FRC or equivalent, Radiology training CCT or CESR.

Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
  • Candidates must hold FRCR or equivalent, full GMC registration, and Radiology training
  • Three years of Radiology speciality training is required for this role, and anyone with a experience in Vascular and Non-Vascular IR should apply.
  • The salary will be between £93,666 – £126,281 per annum dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
  • Perform a wide range of vascular and non-vascular interventional radiology procedures, including aneurysm repair, peripheral and visceral revascularisation, catheter-assisted thrombolysis, and embolisation procedures.
  • Provide on-call interventional radiology services as part of a regional network rota, covering vascular and non-vascular cases.
  • Contribute to diagnostic imaging and reporting, as well as participation in vascular and aortic aneurysm MDTs, IR clinics, and general radiology reporting.
  • Support the teaching and training of junior doctors, radiographers, and medical students, with opportunities for research and development.
LIFE IN SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Located in a scenic region of South West England, this hospital serves both urban and rural communities. Candidates can choose to live in a bustling market town with easy access to major cities or opt for a more peaceful setting in the countryside, surrounded by national parks and coastal areas. The region offers excellent schools, strong transport links, and a wide range of leisure activities including hiking, cycling, and watersports.

Historically, this area is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and vibrant local traditions, making it an attractive place to live and work.

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
59,175 - 95,400
A mental health service in the UK is looking for a Specialty Doctor in General Adult Psychiatry with an interest in community-based mental health care. The role involves working with a multidisciplinary team, including Consultant Psychiatrists, junior doctors, community psychiatric nurses, and clinical psychologists.

This psychiatry job is open to both international and UK-based doctors, with MRCPsych or CESR eligibility being particularly desirable. Anyone requiring portfolio support (CESR pathway) or professional development opportunities can have their requirements discussed on a case-by-case basis.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
  • Candidates must hold full GMC registration and have completed at least four years of postgraduate training, with at least two years in psychiatry.
  • Prior experience in adult community mental health care is desirable.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
  • Provide psychiatric care and treatment for patients within a General Adult Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). 
  • Conduct psychiatric assessments, care planning, crisis interventions, and medication management.
  • Liaise with General Practitioners, social work teams, voluntary sector providers, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to service development initiatives.
LIFE IN THE REGION

This region offers a blend of urban and rural living, with easy access to major cities, excellent schools, and strong community ties. Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, cultural events, and historic landmarks, making it an attractive place for professionals and families.

The area is historically significant, with a rich heritage and modern amenities, providing an ideal environment for career growth and work-life balance.

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 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.

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