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:
- Typical NHS doctor’s salary in the UK
- FY1 & FY2
- Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
- Specialty doctors
- Specialist Grade
- Consultants
- Where do I fit on the pay scale?
- Doctors in training pay scale
- Specialty Doctor pay scale
- Specialist Grade pay scale
- Consultant pay scale
- Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms and conditions
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 |
|||
|
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 | |
|
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 | |
|
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 |
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
Eligibility for these roles:
- Specialist Registration in Histopathology with the GMC - this is essential and candidates cannot be considered without this.
- Strong experience reporting histology in cardiothoracic pathology
An NHS mental health hospital in the North West of England is looking for a Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, with an interest in both functional and organic disorders. The Mental Health department is part of a well-established multidisciplinary team, working alongside Consultants, Specialty Doctors, and various healthcare professionals. This psychiatry job is open to both international applicants and UK-based doctors, though those with MRCPsych (Full) or an EEA equivalent qualification 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
- Minimum of two years\' experience in old age psychiatry.
- UK applicants with CTT and S12 and AC status preferred
- Be eligible for GMC registration, either with MRCPsych (Full) or an EEA qualification.
- Prior experience in old age inpatient mental health care is desirable.
- The salary will be between £105,504 - £139,882 per annum, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide psychiatric care and assessments for adult and older adult patients with both functional and organic mental health conditions.
- Work closely with other Consultants, specialty doctors and the multi-disciplinary team to support care planning and patient management.
- Run inpatient services and contribute to continuity of care between community and inpatient settings.
LIFE IN THIS UK REGION
This region offers a mix of urban and rural living, with bustling towns and peaceful countryside options for residents. The area boasts excellent transport links, making it easily accessible from major UK cities. There are highly rated schools, a variety of leisure facilities, and plenty of green spaces, making it a great location for professionals and families alike. Historically, the region has played a key role in British heritage, with significant contributions to industry, culture, and transportation.
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 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.
An NHS hospital in the UK is looking for a Consultant Neurologist with an interest in multiple sclerosis, movement disorders, or dystonia treatment. The Neurology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a multidisciplinary team. This Neurology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (UK) 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 with a licence to practice and inclusion on the Specialist Register (or eligibility within six months) is required for this role. Experience in Botulinum toxin treatment and subspecialty expertise in motor neurone disease would be desirable. The salary will be between £105,504 – £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient neurology services, including specialist clinics.
- Offer expert advice and support to primary and secondary care colleagues.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and service development initiatives.
- Engage in teaching, research, and the use of telemedicine for remote patient consultations.
LIFE IN THE REGION
This hospital is based in a region that offers the best of both worlds—easy access to major cities while being surrounded by beautiful countryside. The area has top-rated schools, efficient transport links, and a wealth of cultural and leisure activities for individuals and families. Steeped in history, this region has played a key role in the UK’s heritage and remains a desirable 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 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 hospital in the North of England is looking for a Consultant Clinical or Medical Oncologist. The Oncology department comprises a team of experienced oncologists, specialist nurses, and research staff, offering high-quality patient care and research opportunities. TAnyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
-
This Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration, GMC Specialist Register (or within 6 months), CESR, or a suitable Royal College qualification are most encouraged to apply.
- The salary will be between £105,504 - £139,882 per annum, dependent on experience and grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide specialist care in a chosen cancer site, including systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), immunotherapy, and targeted treatments.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across hospital sites.
- Engage in clinical research and trials, working alongside a well-established research team.
- Support the teaching and supervision of junior doctors, registrars, and medical students.
- Contribute to the 1:8 consultant on-call rota, including weekend ward rounds.
LIFE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
This region offers a perfect mix of city and countryside living, with bustling urban centres and tranquil rural retreats. Those looking for city life can enjoy vibrant city centres, while those seeking peace and quiet can explore beautiful national parks and historical towns.
The area boasts high-performing schools, excellent transport links, and a wide range of leisure activities, including outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, and international travel connections.
With a rich industrial heritage and stunning architecture, the region has played a pivotal role in British history, making it an exciting and dynamic 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 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 hospital in Bath, South West England is looking for a Consultant Clinical or Medical Oncologist with an interest in either Breast, Urology and/or Colorectal Cancers. The Oncology department comprises a team of 12 Clinical Oncologists, 8 Medical Oncologists, and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors, specialist nurses, and research staff. This Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
- Experience and interest in Breast, Urology and/or Colorectal Oncology is required.
- The salary will be between £105,504 - £139,882 per annum, dependent on experience and grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Manage patients with Breast, Urology and/or Colorectal Cancers, including systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), immunotherapy, and targeted treatments.
- Provide expert care in oncology inpatient and outpatient settings and contribute to multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings.
- Participate in clinical research, with access to a well-established clinical trials unit and national research collaborations.
- Engage in teaching and mentoring junior doctors, registrars, and medical students, with opportunities for leadership in education and training.
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