NHS Wales - Doctors' pay scales explained
- September 07, 2024
Understanding your NHS job's salary 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 in Wales and how they fit on the various NHS pay scales.
In this article we will take a look at the following topics:
- Trust doctor jobs and pay for IMGs
- Typical NHS doctor’s salary in Wales
- FY1 & FY2
- Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
- Specialty Doctor
- Specialist Grade / Associate Specialist
- Consultant
- Where do I fit on the pay scale?
- Doctors in training pay scale
- Specialty Doctor pay scale
- Associate Specialist 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 & 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 Wales
FY1 & FY2
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1), your basic salary is £33,307, increasing to £41,073.
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 £43,821 and can progress to £57,650.
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 Doctor
Specialty doctors currently earn from £56,346 to £90,000 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 / Associate Specialist
A key element of recent SAS contract reform is the introduction of a new grade, called the Specialist Grade (or Associate Specialist), which will provide an opportunity for career progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. Associate Specialists can earn a basic of between £69,054 to £113,667.
Consultant
Consultants currently earn from £100,000 to £146,000 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.
Placement onto 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 more senior doctors, including Specialty Doctors, Associate Specialists/ Specialist Grades 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.
NHS Pay Scales in Wales
Doctors in Training
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/ F1, 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.
| Scale | Foundation house officer 1 | Foundation house officer 2 | Specialty registrar (full) | Specialty registrar core training and fixed term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | 33,307 | 41,073 | 43,821 | 43,821 |
| 1 | 35,324 | 43,694 | 46,438 | 46,438 |
| 2 | 37,343 | 46,312 | 50,099 | 50,099 |
| 3 | 52,314 | 52,314 | ||
| 4 | 54,979 | 54,979 | ||
| 5 | 57,650 | 57,650 | ||
| 6 | 60,319 | |||
| 7 | 62,989 | |||
| 8 | 65,657 | |||
| 9 | 68,330 |
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.
|
Specialty Doctor |
||
|
Pay Scale Code |
Scale Value |
Basic Salary |
|
MC75-01 |
1 |
£59,727 |
|
MC75-02 |
|
£59,727 |
|
MC75-03 |
|
£59,727 |
|
MC75-04 |
2 |
£68,810 |
|
MC75-05 |
|
£68,810 |
|
MC75-06 |
|
£68,810 |
|
MC75-07 |
3 |
£76,708 |
|
MC75-08 |
|
£76,708 |
|
MC75-09 |
|
£76,708 |
|
MC75-10 |
4 |
£84,905 |
|
MC75-11 |
|
£84,905 |
|
MC75-12 |
|
£84,905 |
|
MC75-13 |
5 |
£95,400 |
|
MC75-14 |
|
£95,400 |
|
MC75-15 |
|
£95,400 |
|
|
£95,400 | |
|
MC75-17 |
|
£95,400 |
|
MC75-18 |
|
£95,400 |
Specialist Grade / Associate Specialist
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 the relevant specialty. Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in Wales have their own contracts in place for senior doctors these contracts are based in full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities per week it has been timetabled value of four hours. 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.
|
Specialist Grade |
||
|
Pay Scale Code |
Scale Value |
Basic Salary |
|
MC70–01 |
1 |
£96,990 |
|
MC70-02 |
|
£96,990 |
|
MC70-03 |
|
£96,990 |
|
MC70-04 |
2 |
£100,784 |
|
MC70-06 |
|
£100,784 £100,784 |
|
MC70-07 |
3 | £107,155 |
Consultant Pay Scale
Service level consultant doctor jobs are in high demand in Wales 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.
For NHS locum consultants, pay is assigned a fixed pay point at £115,600, though locum consultants can earn more due with additional hours or sessions often available. The threshold pay scale below applies to substantive (permanent) contracts only, so therefore if you are not on the specialist register you will only be eligible for this fixed pay point, irrespective of your years completed consultant experience.
For both permanent (substantive) and fixed-term (locum) consultant grades, the salary is based on a standard working week of 10 PAs (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.
| Pay point/ Threshold |
Basic Salary (£) |
Years within pay point/ Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Min | 106,000 | 1 |
| 1 | 111,300 | 1 |
| 2 | 116,600 | 1 |
| 3 | 121,900 | 1 |
| 4 | 130,380 | 5 |
| 5 | 137,800 | 7 |
| 6 | 146,280 | 7 |
| 7 | 154,760 | Top |
Additional Pay, Benefits, Pensions and Terms & Conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in the pay and conditions circulars here.
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.
Relevant Jobs
A NHS Trust in the South East of England is looking for a Specialist Doctor in Medical Oncology with an interest in Breast. The Oncology department includes a team of consultants and is supported by a large group of specialty doctors and clinical fellows. This Medical Oncology role is open to both UK-based and international applicants, with those holding FRCR/MRCP especially encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formerly known as CESR) can have their needs reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Doctors with FRCR/MRCP and an interest in breast cancer are encouraged to apply. The salary will range from £96,990 – £107,155.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Deliver high-quality oncology care, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
-
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and provide leadership for tumour site specialisations.
-
Supervise and mentor junior medical staff, contributing to teaching and research activities.
-
Engage in clinical governance and audit work to maintain high standards of care.
LIFE IN THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND
This region offers a balance of busy towns and peaceful countryside. There are excellent schools, reliable transport links to London and Europe, and a wide range of leisure activities — including historic sites, coastal attractions, and cultural events. The area combines accessibility with quality of life, making it attractive for professionals and families alike.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying through IMG Connect, you’ll receive full support from a specialist recruitment team who will guide you through every step. Support includes:
-
CV preparation and tailored feedback sessions.
-
Application support with in-depth NHS and recruitment insights.
-
At least two video-based interview preparation sessions.
-
Help with contract discussions and offer negotiations, including relocation packages.
Once you’ve accepted your offer, you’ll have access to a dedicated relocation executive to assist with:
-
Document collection and checks.
-
COS and visa support where needed.
-
Short- and long-term accommodation options.
-
Travel planning.
-
Family support, including help finding schools and settling in.
A large NHS Trust in the Midlands is looking for a Consultant Interventional Radiologist with an interest in complex vascular and non-vascular procedures. The Radiology department comprises a team of experienced consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Interventional Radiology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCR qualifications 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
FRCR or equivalent and extensive experience in interventional radiology are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in complex vascular and non-vascular procedures should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 to £139,882 dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Lead a comprehensive range of interventional radiology procedures under consultant supervision.
-
Assist in the general radiology workload including the Interventional on-call rota.
-
Lead teaching and supporting junior radiological staff and radiographers.
-
Lead departmental audit and research activities, with the opportunity to pursue formal research.
LIFE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
This role is based in the West Midlands, offering access to urban living in cities like Birmingham and more peaceful rural areas such as Solihull and Warwickshire. The region is known for its excellent schools, strong transport links, and a wide variety of leisure activities for individuals and families alike. With a rich industrial heritage, the West Midlands remains one of the UK’s most historically significant and economically vibrant regions.
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 excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Consultant to join this NHS Trust as a Consultant in Haematology working in an established medical setting in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support and international applications from IMGs are welcome.
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
The Haematology Department is a forward-thinking unit, staffed by a dedicated team of Consultant Haematologists and Clinical Nurse Specialists. The department focuses on outpatient and day case treatments, with a collaborative approach to inpatient care. It utilizes advanced facilities for a wide range of haematological services and participates in regional MDTs. This new consultant post will primarily be based at one of the main hospital sites but may involve activities across other locations within the Trust.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training and accreditation within haematology, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The Trust supports continuous professional development and encourages participation in research and teaching activities. There is a strong emphasis on education with regular clinical meetings, audit sessions, and opportunities for career advancement.
Location
The location is ideal for international doctors and their families, offering affordable living costs, good schools, and a rich cultural heritage. There are numerous recreational activities, from exploring beautiful countryside and national parks to enjoying vibrant community events and historical sites. The area has excellent transport links, including easy access to major cities and convenient connections to international airports.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Active GMC registration with license to practice
- Experience in Haematology
EEA candidates:
- European Specialist Qualification in Haematology
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCP or FRCPath Haematology or PLAB
Consultant Psychiatrist – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
South Wales
A dynamic and transformational CAMHS service in South Wales is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in child and adolescent mental health. The successful candidate will join a well-established multidisciplinary team delivering specialist care across the region, contributing to service development and clinical leadership within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a progressive mental health service with access to regional tier 4 services and a population of approximately 380,000. The post supports the organisation’s strategic vision to integrate CAMHS more closely into community settings while developing clinical pathways in areas including eating disorders, complex care, youth justice, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
We welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements and will support CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) development on an individual basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
-
Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
-
Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
-
Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
-
Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
-
Experience delivering psychiatric care in CAMHS or related services is required.
-
A collaborative, developmental, and family-focused approach, with excellent communication and leadership skills, is highly valued.
-
Opportunities for career development through CPD, peer supervision, quality improvement, and service leadership.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Provide consultant-level psychiatric care to children and adolescents as part of a multidisciplinary CAMHS team.
-
Lead clinical care planning, review, and treatment delivery in partnership with colleagues across mental health, health, education, and social care.
-
Work closely with specialist regional services including adolescent inpatient units, eating disorder outreach services, and forensic CAMHS consultation teams.
-
Participate in the CAMHS consultant on-call rota (with prospective cover).
-
Contribute to service improvement, pathway development, and integrated working in line with strategic planning goals.
-
Provide supervision and clinical leadership to junior medical staff and allied professionals.
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Participate in annual appraisal, job planning, and revalidation, with access to local peer groups and CPD.
-
Uphold principles of clinical governance, information governance, and risk management across the CAMHS Directorate.
LIFE IN SOUTH WALES
South Wales offers a rare combination of coastal beauty, green open spaces, and urban convenience. With beautiful landscapes, affordable living, and excellent local amenities, it is an ideal location for professionals and families alike. The region is well-connected by public transport and road networks and offers easy access to nearby cities and airports.
Healthcare professionals in the area benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment and access to a wide network of services across health, education, and social care.
If you are passionate about delivering outstanding CAMHS care and want to help shape future services in a supportive, innovative setting, we welcome your application. Please note that we may close this post early if sufficient applications are received.
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 interview preparation sessions.
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, 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 other aspects of pastoral care.
Consultant Psychiatrist – Acute Inpatient Service
South of England | Close to London
- Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
- Recruitment premia £15,000 over 3 years *subject to policy requirements
- Relocation allowance: up to £8000 *subject to policy requirements
An inclusive and progressive NHS mental health trust in the South of England is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in acute inpatient care. The successful candidate will join a compassionate and collaborative multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality psychiatric care to adults and clinical leadership across inpatient services. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading NHS Foundation Trust known for integrated working, a strong culture of kindness and respect, and its commitment to clinical excellence and innovation.
Applications are welcome for full-time, part-time, or flexible working patterns. CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) support is available and tailored to individual needs.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
-
Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
-
Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
-
Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
-
Clinical experience in managing acute adult mental illness in inpatient settings is required.
-
Strong teamworking, communication, and leadership skills are essential.
-
Ongoing opportunities for professional development through training, leadership pathways, teaching, and academic engagement.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide Consultant-level psychiatric care to adult inpatients, in line with the Trust’s Acute Operational Policy.
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Deliver clinical leadership and active involvement in quality improvement initiatives.
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Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach to care.
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Coordinate with specialist and community teams to ensure effective patient transitions and continuity of care.
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Supervise and support junior doctors, specialty trainees, and students.
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Participate in Consultant on-call rota (details available on request).
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Engage in audit, teaching, research, and service development activities.
LIFE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
Located in the South of England, this opportunity offers the perfect balance of professional fulfilment and quality of life. The area combines vibrant urban centres, picturesque countryside, and excellent transport links — with London just 30 minutes away by train, and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports nearby for easy international travel.
This region is known for its historic market towns, outstanding schools, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Whether you\'re relocating alone or with family, it offers something for everyone — from city convenience to coastal calm.
The Trust is committed to inclusivity, wellbeing, and the development of its workforce, offering access to flexible working and a wide range of staff benefits.
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 interview preparation sessions.
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, 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 other aspects of pastoral care.