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
Here’s the anonymized version of the job advert:
A UK-based mental health provider is seeking a Senior Specialist in Psychiatry with an interest in memory assessment services for older people. The psychiatry department includes a skilled team of consultants and clinical nurse specialists, offering a supportive environment for career growth. This opportunity is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, with preference for those holding European Specialist training or MRCPsych qualifications.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
- MRCPsych or equivalent qualification is required, along with a minimum of six years in relevant psychiatry roles.
- An interest in dementia and memory-related care is essential.
- The salary will be competitive, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide senior medical leadership within the Memory Assessment Service (MAS), overseeing complex cases.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to assess, diagnose, and treat dementia and related memory disorders.
- Supervise and mentor clinical staff and contribute to their professional development.
- Participate in service improvement and innovation initiatives.
LIFE IN THE REGION
The region offers a mix of urban living in vibrant towns and peaceful countryside settings, providing options to suit a range of lifestyles. It is well-connected by major transport links and boasts excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions for individuals and families. The area also has a rich history and cultural significance, adding to its charm as a great place to live and work.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Job Requirements and Details
- Applicants should have specialist registration and relevant postgraduate qualifications.
- Experience in clinical microbiology and infection control is essential.
- The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience.
- Provide a robust microbiology and infection prevention service in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Participate in clinical reviews, results analysis, and service development.
- Lead initiatives to enhance antimicrobial policies and infection control strategies.
Located in a region renowned for its balance of urban vibrancy and rural tranquility, candidates can choose to live in bustling towns or peaceful countryside settings. The area offers strong transport links, family-friendly amenities, and a variety of cultural and outdoor activities.
Rich in history, the South East boasts landmarks and events that have shaped British heritage, offering residents a deep connection to the country\'s past.
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 one or multiple organ systems
A leading NHS cancer center in Manchester is looking for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist specializing in Breast Oncology with an interest in advanced radiotherapy treatments in particular. Candidates can work as either a clinical or radiation oncologist. The Clinical Oncology Breast Disease Group comprises a team of 10 consultants, supported by a multidisciplinary team of nurse clinicians, clinical fellows, specialist trainees, pharmacists, and research nurses. This role is open to both international and UK-based doctors, though those with GMC Specialist Registration 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
Whilst specialist registration is not required, it is a preferred status for those interested in staying longer term given the opportunity to turn the post into a substantive role. Whatever the qualifications or registration type, candidates should have significant experience in the provision of radiotherapy for breast oncology patients. The salary will range from £105k to £139k per annum, dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Deliver comprehensive clinical services for Breast Oncology patients, including radiotherapy and systemic therapies.
- Participate actively in multidisciplinary team meetings, including remote attendance of the North Manchester General Hospital MDT.
- Contribute to the team’s robust research portfolio, including advanced radiotherapy and systemic therapy trials.
- Participate in the department’s on-call rota, with a 1:20 frequency, covering patient consultations and reviews.
LIFE IN MANCHESTER
Manchester, a thriving city in the North West of England, offers a mix of urban vibrancy and nearby rural tranquility. Popular areas include the city center for urban living and the nearby Cheshire countryside for more relaxed, family-oriented lifestyles. The region boasts excellent schools, extensive transport links including Manchester International Airport, and a wealth of cultural, sporting, and leisure activities. Manchester\'s industrial heritage has shaped the city into a hub of innovation and culture, renowned globally for its contributions to music, sports, and science.
An NHS acute hospital in the UK is looking for a Consultant Physician in Care of the Elderly with an interest in Frailty, Orthogeriatrics, or Stroke Medicine. The Geriatric Medicine department comprises a team of experienced consultants supported by a large multidisciplinary team, including middle-grade doctors, therapists, and specialist nurses. This Care of the Elderly role is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with a Specialist Register membership or suitable postgraduate 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
A postgraduate medical qualification and significant experience in geriatric and general medicine are required for this role. Anyone with an interest in Frailty, Orthogeriatrics, or Stroke Medicine should apply. The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Manage inpatient care for elderly patients and support acute and outpatient services for frail older adults.
- Conduct same-day emergency care (SDEC) and rapid access outpatient clinics for older patients.
- Join the General Internal Medicine on-call rota and provide peer support within the department.
- Work collaboratively with community and social care teams to optimize care and streamline discharge processes.
LIFE IN LONDON
This role is based in London, the thriving capital. The area provides excellent transport links, a variety of leisure opportunities, and top-rated schools for families.
Rich in history and culture, the location offers an appealing blend of heritage landmarks and modern amenities, making it an exciting 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 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