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
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The NHS Trust
The NHS Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a diverse population with a commitment to high-quality care and continuous improvement. The Trust operates across multiple sites, offering a broad range of services through various care groups, including Surgery, Integrated Medical Specialties, Family Health, Community, and Clinical Specialist Services. It provides a dynamic environment that supports innovation, education, and collaboration.
The Haematology Department & Team
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Continued Professional Development
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Location
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Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Active GMC registration with license to practice
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EEA candidates:
- European Specialist Qualification in Haematology
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCP or FRCPath Haematology or PLAB
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The Department & Team
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Continued Professional Development
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Location
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??????Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
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EEA candidates:
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry
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Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychistry
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About the NHS Trust
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Continued Professional Development
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Living in the UK
Relocating to this region of the UK offers international doctors and their families a high quality of life. The area features a low cost of living, excellent educational facilities, and a safe, welcoming environment. With beautiful natural landscapes, including rolling hills and coastal regions, the area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Cultural and recreational activities are plentiful, and the region benefits from strong transport links to major cities, combining the charm of rural living with the conveniences of urban life.
??????Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Acute Medicine
EEA candidates:
- Experience in Acute Medicine
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCP
- Experience in Acute Medicine
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Continued Professional Development
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Location
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Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- CCT or Specialist Registration (preferred)
- Experience in General Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
- S12
- AC (preferred)
EEA candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych (preferred)
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The NHS Trust
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The Stroke Medicine Department & Team
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The stroke service actively participates in the North Thames Stroke Research Network, enrolling patients in several multi-centre clinical trials.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training and accreditation within Stroke Medicine, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The Trust provides an excellent environment for career development, with a Postgraduate Education Centre on site offering facilities for clinical meetings, seminars, an active teaching programme, and a simulation centre. The Trust encourages and supports involvement in research and development, ensuring that consultants can pursue their specialty interests and participate in innovative clinical trials.
Location
This area of East London is a vibrant and diverse location, making it an excellent option for international doctors and their families. The area boasts a rich cultural scene with thriving artist communities, diverse culinary experiences, and numerous parks and green spaces. Despite its urban environment, there are various housing options from Victorian terraces to modern apartments. The area is well-connected by public transport, providing easy access to central London and beyond. The population is one of the most multi-ethnic in the UK, with substantial immigrant and migrant communities. Local schools are well-regarded, and the increasing birth rate reflects the growing and youthful population.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
Experience in Stroke Medicine
EEA candidates:
Experience in Stroke Medicine
European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
MRCP
Experience in Stroke Medicine