NHS Consultant Doctors’ Pay across the UK 2024
- June 25, 2024
As an overseas doctor looking to work in the UK, it is essential to understand the salary that comes along with your NHS job and how this can be different from one country in the UK to another.
Whilst the NHS has guides that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, these do differ across the UK.
Basic Pay
Consultants in England and the other home countries each have their own consultant contracts in place. These 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 England and their equivalents in the rest of the home countries are shown below:
England
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £105,504 and £139,882 in England.
|
Threshold |
Years completed as a consultant |
Basic Salary |
|
1 |
0 |
£105,504 |
|
2 |
1 |
£105,504 |
|
3 |
2 |
£105,504 |
|
4 |
3 |
£111,714 |
|
5 |
4 |
£114,894 |
|
5 |
||
|
6 |
||
|
7 |
||
|
8 |
||
|
6 |
9 |
£126,018 |
|
10 |
||
|
11 |
||
|
12 |
||
|
13 |
||
|
7 |
14 |
£139,882 |
|
15 |
||
|
16 |
||
|
17 |
||
|
18 |
||
|
8 |
19+ |
£139,882 |
The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.
The National Clinical Impact Award (NCIA) scheme aims to reward consultants who contribute most to the delivery of safe and high-quality care and the improvement of NHS services. You can apply for a new award after you have completed a full year in an eligible role.
Scotland
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £96,963 and £128,841 in Scotland.
|
Threshold |
Years completed as a consultant |
Basic Salary |
|
1 |
1 (starting salary) |
£96,963 |
|
2 |
2 |
£99,011 |
|
3 |
3 |
£101,957 |
|
4 |
4 |
£104,906 |
|
5 |
5 |
£107,846 |
|
6 |
||
|
7 |
||
|
8 |
||
|
9 |
||
|
6 |
10 |
£114,846 |
|
11 |
||
|
12 |
||
|
13 |
||
|
14 |
||
|
7 |
15 |
£121,846 |
|
16 |
||
|
17 |
||
|
18 |
||
|
19 |
||
|
8 |
20+ |
£128,841 |
The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.
All consultants who have reached point five of the pay scale are eligible for consideration for discretionary points, except for distinction award holders. Consultants granted discretionary points are not normally considered again for two years, although this may vary.
Wales
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £100,000 and £146,000 in Wales.
| Threshold | Years completed as a consultant | Basic Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 (starting salary) | £100,000 |
| 2 | 1 | £105,000 |
| 3 | 2 | £110,000 |
| 4 | 3 | £115,000 |
| 5 | 4 | £123,000 |
| 6 | 5 | £130,000 |
| 7 | 6 | £138,000 |
| 8 | 7 | £146,000 |
The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.
Please note that the pay scale above is for substantive or permanent doctors in Wales.
There is a fixed pay point of £105,401 for locum consultants, which will apply regardless of years of consultant experience.
Commitment awards are available to all consultants after three years’ service at the top of the consultant pay scale, who demonstrate their commitment through satisfactory job plan reviews. They are then eligible at three-yearly intervals, until they have achieved eight award levels.
Northern Ireland
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £88,799 and £119,723 in Northern Ireland.
|
Threshold |
Years completed as a consultant |
Basic Salary |
|
1 |
1 (starting salary) |
£88,799 |
|
2 |
2 |
£91,581 |
|
3 |
3 |
£94,362 |
|
4 |
4 |
£97,141 |
|
5 |
5 |
£99,913 |
|
6 |
||
|
7 |
||
|
8 |
||
|
9 |
||
|
6 |
10 |
£106,520 |
|
11 |
||
|
12 |
||
|
13 |
||
|
14 |
||
|
7 |
15 |
£113,124 |
|
8 |
16+ |
£119,723 |
The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.
When would I see an increase in my pay?
We are confirming when exactly SAS doctors would see the increase to their pay, but it has been agreed that the uplifts will be backdated to April 2024.
Job Planning and Programmed Activities
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.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in 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 UK is looking for a Consultant Diabetologist & Endocrinologist with an interest in insulin pump therapy and diabetes technology. The Diabetes & Endocrinology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors and diabetes specialist nurses. This role is open to both international 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 insulin pump therapy and DAFNE training would be highly desirable. The salary will be between £105,504 – £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Lead and deliver consultant-led care in Diabetes & Endocrinology, including outpatient and inpatient responsibilities.
- Support and develop diabetes technology services, including insulin pump therapy and young adult clinics.
- Participate in the acute general medical on-call rota.
- Supervise and train junior doctors, medical students, and multi-disciplinary staff.
LIFE IN THE REGION
This hospital is situated in a region that offers the best of both worlds—scenic countryside with excellent links to bustling urban centres. The area boasts a selection of high-quality schools, strong transport connections, and a variety of leisure opportunities, from outdoor pursuits to cultural and entertainment hubs. With a rich historical background, this part of the UK has played a significant role in British heritage.
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