For international doctors looking to work in the UK, it is important to understand the salary you will be offered with your NHS job and how this can be different depending on the country you are working in within the UK.
The NHS follow pay guidelines that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, however, these do differ across countries in the UK.
SAS stands for Staff grade, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctor. They will have at least four years of full-time postgraduate training, two of which have been in their relevant specialty.
They are experienced and senior doctors in fixed term or permanent posts (outside a training pathway).
Many SAS doctors have made a positive choice to step into a SAS position from a traditional consultant training pathway. This could be for reasons such as geographical stability or wanting to familiarise themselves with the NHS system before working up to a consultant position.
SAS doctors maintain their skills through the CPD system and there are routes, through gaining CESR (Specialist Registration) or applying for a training post, for SAS doctors to become consultants if they wish to.
Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in England and the other home countries have their own contracts in place for senior doctors. These contracts are based on a full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities (PAs) per week, each having a time-tabled value of four hours.
The basic pay thresholds in the UK are shown below:
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £59,175 and £95,400 as Specialty Doctors and from £96,990 to £107,155 as Specialist Grade doctors in England.
Specialty Doctor |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 (min) |
£59,175 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
£68,174 |
4 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
£75,998 |
7 |
|
8 |
|
9 |
£84,121 |
10 |
|
11 |
|
12 |
£95,400 |
13 |
|
14 |
|
15 |
|
16 |
|
17 |
Associate Specialist / Specialist Grade |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 (min) |
£96,990 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
£100,784 |
4 |
|
6 |
£107,155 |
The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £47,905 and £89,329 as Specialty Doctors and from £67,163 to £109,259 as Associate Specialists in Scotland.
Specialty Doctor |
|
Scale point |
Basic Salary |
0 |
£61, 690 |
1 |
£61,690 |
2 |
£61,690 |
3 |
£73,593 |
4 |
£73,593 |
5 |
£73,593 |
6 |
£78,099 |
7 |
£78,099 |
8 |
£78,099 |
9 |
£87,115 |
10 |
£87,115 |
11 |
£87,115 |
12 |
£96,129 |
13 |
£96,129 |
14 |
£96,129 |
15 |
£96,129 |
16 |
£96,129 |
17 |
£96,129 |
Associate Specialist |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 |
£96,990 |
1 |
£96,990 |
2 |
£96,990 |
3 |
£100,784 |
4 |
£100,784 |
5 |
£100,784 |
6 |
£100,784 |
The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £56,346 and £90,000 as Specialty Doctors and from £91,500 to £101,089 as Specialists in Wales.
Specialty Doctor |
|
Pay Scale Point |
Basic Salary |
01 |
£59,727 |
02 |
£59,727 |
03 |
£59,727 |
04 |
£68,810 |
05 |
£68,810 |
06 |
£68,810 |
07 |
£76,708 |
08 |
£76,708 |
09 |
£76,708 |
10 |
£84,905 |
11 |
£84,905 |
12 |
£84,905 |
13 |
£95,400 |
14 |
£95,400 |
15 |
£95,400 |
16 |
£95,400 |
17 |
£95,400 |
18 |
£95,400 |
Specialist Grade |
|
Pay Scale Point |
Basic Salary |
01 |
£96,990 |
02 |
£96,990 |
03 |
£96,990 |
04 |
£100,784 |
05 |
£100,784 |
06 |
£100,784 |
07 |
£100,784 |
The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £52,530 and £82,400 as Specialty Doctors and from £83,945 to £95,275 as Associate Specialists in Northern Ireland.
Specialty Doctor |
||
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
Pay Point |
0 |
£59,175 |
1
|
1 |
||
2 |
||
3 |
£68,174 |
2 |
4 |
||
5 |
||
6 |
£75,998 |
3 |
7 |
||
8 |
||
9 |
£84,121 |
4 |
10 |
||
11 |
||
12 |
£95,400 |
5 - top |
13 |
||
14 |
||
15 |
||
16 |
||
17 |
Specialist Doctor |
||
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
Pay Point |
1 |
£96,990 |
1
|
2 |
||
3 |
||
4 |
£100,784 |
2 |
5 |
||
6 |
||
7 |
£107,155 |
3 (top) |
The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.
As part of your contract, your job plan will be created in partnership with your new NHS employer. This is an annual agreement that sets out your duties, responsibilities and objectives for the length of your contract.
There are four basic categories of contractual work which will be included in your job plan: direct clinical care (DCC), supporting professional activities (SPAs), additional responsibilities and external duties.
There are ways that consultants will be able to earn more than the basic rates above and these can include additional rotas and PAs. This will also be discussed in the creation of your job plan.
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
Provide clinical support in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working closely with consultants and the multidisciplinary team.
Participate in the delivery of chemotherapy and specialist care via the dedicated oncology/haematology unit.
Contribute to clinical governance, teaching of junior doctors and nurse practitioners, and development of service pathways.
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.
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.
Provide expert oncology care for patients diagnosed with Upper and Lower GI cancers, overseeing treatment plans and managing patient care.
Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across sites to coordinate treatment.
Contribute to research and clinical trials within the Oncology department, promoting innovation in GI cancer treatment.
Engage in teaching opportunities with medical students and junior doctors, especially in preparation for the launch of a new postgraduate medical programme.
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.
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
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:
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:
An NHS cancer centre in Northern Ireland is seeking a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with a specialist interest in Upper GI and Breast cancers. The department includes 11 oncology consultants and is supported by a team of middle grade doctors and specialty trainees. This position is open to both UK-based and international doctors, particularly those with FRCR or European Specialist Registration.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants should have full GMC registration and at least 6 years of postgraduate experience in Clinical Oncology. The salary for this role is between £88,799 and £119,723, dependent on experience.
Manage patients with Upper GI and Breast cancers across inpatient and outpatient settings.
Engage in tumour site-specific MDTs and contribute to treatment planning and decision-making.
Support the training and mentoring of oncology registrars and junior doctors.
Contribute to service development, teaching, and clinical governance.
Based in the north-west region of Northern Ireland, this location offers both city and rural living, with access to scenic countryside, the coast, and neighbouring towns. The area features well-rated schools, convenient transport infrastructure, and rich opportunities for cultural, historical, and recreational pursuits. It’s a growing destination for healthcare professionals seeking balance between professional development and quality of life.
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