NHS Doctor Jobs & their Salaries
- September 03, 2024
Navigating the NHS pay scales can be complex for international doctors considering a career in the UK. The NHS features various grades of doctors, each with its own pay scale and role within the National Health Service. This article provides a clear and concise overview of these different doctor grades, their corresponding pay, and the roles they fulfill within the NHS.
In this guide, we will explore:
- The different grades of doctors in the NHS
- The pay scales associated with each grade
- The specific roles and responsibilities of each doctor grade
Whether you’re an IMG preparing for your career in the UK or a current NHS doctor seeking clarity on pay structures, this article will help you understand the key aspects of NHS doctor salaries and job roles.
- Designations of UK doctors
- Medical students
- Junior doctors
- SAS doctors
- Consultants
- Trust doctors
- General Practitioners
- Locum doctors
- Academic doctors
- Pay and conditions circulars
Designations of UK doctors
Other than for medical students, all doctors we list below are medically qualified and can use the title Dr before their name. For historical reasons in the UK, surgeons may use the title ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Miss’ or ‘Ms’. A doctor that is a university professor may also use the title ‘Professor’ instead of ‘Dr’.
Medical students
Medical students usually undertake a five-year course of study for undergraduate or a four-year postgraduate course to become a doctor.
Two years studying basic medical sciences is followed by three years more clinically focused training, during which they will work in hospital wards under the supervision of consultants.
Following completion of their medical degree, newly qualified doctors gain provisional registration with the GMC. They will receive their primary medical qualification which is typically denoted in the UK by either: MBBS, MBChB, BM, MBBCh.
Junior doctors
Medical graduates enter the medical workforce as junior doctors. They are employed on a national negotiated contract on a two-year work-based training programme known as the Foundation Programme. The Foundation Programme is the first level of clinical training for a qualified doctor, bridging the gap between medical school and Specialty Training.
The Foundation Programme is carried out in hospitals over two years which are referred to as FY1 and FY2. Upon completion of FY1, a doctor will gain full registration with the GMC.
Completion of FY2 allows doctors to apply for further study and training in a specialised area of medicine, known as Specialty Training. Doctors enter Specialty Training at ST1 and the length and type of training will depend on the specialty chosen – specialist training can take up to eight years.
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) your basic salary is £32,398. In year two this increases to £37,303.
If you are a doctor starting your Specialty Training, your basic salary starts at £37,068 and can progress to £46,404.
Staff Grade, Associate Specialist and Specialty Doctors (SAS Doctors):
SAS doctors are in non-training roles where the doctor has at least four years of postgraduate training, two of which being in a relevant specialty (FY1, FY2 and two years specialist training). This means doctors can move into these posts at various levels of experience and seniority whilst also gaining experience and promotion within the grade itself.
SAS doctors are typically more focused on meeting service requirements when compared to trainee or consultant roles. Often, they have considerably fewer administrative duties when compared to consultants and can have very ‘hands on’ roles with lots of patient contact. Specialty doctors currently earn from £59,175 to £95,400 basic pay. As an overseas doctor, there are many factors that will determine where on this pay scale an HR department places you, so it is hard to provide one general rule to help you estimate what salary you might be eligible for.
Whilst the titles staff grade, specialty doctor and associate specialist are all commonly used, recent changes to terminology means that all SAS doctors are now on Specialty Doctor contracts.
WANT TO KNOW WHERE YOU WOULD BE PLACED ONTO THE NHS PAY SCALES? REGISTER HERE FOR CONSULTATION AND ADVICE.
Consultants
Consultants are senior doctors that have completed full specialist medical training in a specialised area of medicine and are listed on the GMC’s specialist register, gaining the accreditation CCT. Doctors can also meet the criteria for specialist registration via the CESR route, consider your eligibility for CESR here.
Consultants have clinical and administrative responsibilities in managing SAS and junior doctors.
Consultants currently earn from £99,532 to £131,964 basic pay and as an international doctor, your years' completed as a consultant will place you on this scale.
Trust doctors:
Trust doctors in the NHS are employed for service posts, and trust doctor is a term applied to a doctor who is working in the NHS in a non-training post. Trust doctor jobs in the NHS cover a range of grades and apply to all specialties.
Typically, the title trust doctor is applied to a doctor working at Senior House Level (FY1 & 2), however the term has now become synonymous with all grades. It is now a term most commonly applied to doctors from FY1 to ST3 but can be applied to specialty doctors by some trusts.
Many of the doctors accepting service posts are from overseas as this can be a quick way to enter the NHS system and start your career in the UK.
Trust doctor posts also offer very competitive rates, so whilst you are getting to know the NHS and settling into life in the UK, you can also ensure that you are financially rewarded.
Locum Doctors
Locums doctors are fully qualified doctors who temporarily cover a position, often covering things like sick leave or maternity. All doctors can work as a locum aside from FY1 doctors and it can be done via an agency or NHS locum post. Overseas consultants not yet on the specialist register can apply for locum consultant positions, not substantive.
Academic Doctors
Academic doctors often combine clinical care with teaching and research, doing so to develop the science of medicine. They can be any grade of doctor from an FY2 to a consultant, GP or SAS doctor. Common academic job titles, in order of seniority are:
- Prof Professor
- CSL Senior Clinical Lecturer / Associate Professor
- CRF Clinical Research Fellow
- CL Clinical Lecturer
- ACF Academic Clinical Fellow
Pay and Conditions Circulars:
Current national salary scales for all medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers' website.
To explore doctor pay and salary conditions across all grades in the UK, including NHS pay in Wales, check out our series of blogs on career structure and NHS salaries in our IMG Resources library.
Relevant Jobs
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
- FRCPath or equivalent and Full GMC Registration are required.
- The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide histopathology services for diagnostics.
- Participate in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
- Collaborate in academic and educational activities.
- Contribute to digital Histopathology system development.
LIFE IN THE REGION
The position is based in a city offering a mix of urban amenities and scenic rural living options. Families will find excellent schools, easy access to transport, and a range of leisure activities. The region has a rich cultural and historical significance.
An NHS district general hospital in the North of Scotland is looking for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with an interest in Lung, Head & Neck, or Breast cancer. The oncology department comprises a team of 7 consultants and is 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 or FRCR (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
FRCR, full GMC registration with specialist registration or within 6 months of CCT, along with broad experience in prescribing radiotherapy and SACT, are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Lung, Head & Neck, or Breast radiotherapy should apply. The salary will be between £107,144 and £142,369 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Manage a subspecialty caseload in Lung, H&N or Breast radiotherapy, delivering high-quality care and treatment planning.
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Participate in MDT meetings, clinical governance, research and teaching activities.
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Contribute to acute oncology on-call cover and peripheral clinics across the region.
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Lead or support the development of new services or innovations in clinical delivery within the department.
LIFE IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
This job is based in the Scottish Highlands, a region known for both its bustling city of Inverness and rural escapes like Beauly or Fort Augustus.
The Highlands offer excellent schools, strong transport links including rail and air connections, and year-round recreational options from hiking to arts festivals. The city also has a vibrant cultural and social scene for families and professionals alike.
Rich in heritage, the Highlands are home to some of Scotland’s most renowned history—from clan culture to castles—making this region both a scenic and significant 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 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 acute hospital in the South East is looking for a Specialist Acute Physician with an interest in Same Day Emergency Care and Ambulatory Medicine. The Acute Internal Medicine department comprises a team of 13 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Acute Medicine job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (UK) 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
MBBS or equivalent, full GMC registration, MRCP, and a minimum of 4 years’ post-graduate NHS experience (with at least 2 years in Acute Medicine) are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in expanding SDEC and short stay services should apply. The salary will be between £96,990 - £107,155 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provision of the Acute Internal Medicine service, including same day emergency care, inpatients on the AMU, and the Short Stay Unit
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Receiving referrals from primary care to provide clinical advice and triage for potential admissions
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Supervision of junior doctors and alternative workforce, including advice on treatment plans
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Participation in clinical education and governance activities, and supporting development of the department
LIFE IN THE SOUTH EAST
This role is based in a major coastal city in the South East, with nearby living options ranging from lively urban centres to scenic rural towns. The region offers strong transport connections, reputable schools, and a wide range of leisure pursuits including historic attractions, beaches, and outdoor activities. Known for its maritime heritage, this area has longstanding ties to British naval and defence history.
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 teaching hospital in the West Midlands is looking for a Locum Consultant in Microbiology with an interest in clinical microbiology, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship. The Microbiology department comprises a team of 5 consultant microbiologists and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Microbiology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or FRCPath 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
FRCPath (or equivalent) and significant experience in microbiology and infectious diseases are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in antimicrobial stewardship and infection control should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide clinical microbiology advice for inpatients and outpatients, including infection control and antimicrobial therapy recommendations.
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Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings such as OPAT, diabetic foot, and spinal infection MDTs.
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Be part of a 1:7 on-call rota, providing microbiology advice out-of-hours to hospital and community services.
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Contribute to laboratory report validation, audit activities, and CPD, including teaching junior doctors and medical students.
LIFE IN STOKE
This role is based in Stoke-on-Trent. Many staff choose to live in Stoke itself for urban convenience, or in nearby towns like Stone or rural Cheshire for a quieter lifestyle. The area is well-served by excellent transport links, schools, and local amenities, with plenty of leisure activities including country parks, theatres, and restaurants. Stoke-on-Trent has a rich industrial heritage and is famously known as the heart of the UK’s pottery industry, offering cultural and historical interest alongside modern healthcare innovation.
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 teaching hospital in the North of England is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with all interests considered. The oncology department comprises a team of consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration 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 practise and inclusion (or eligibility within 6 months) on the Specialist Register in Medical Oncology are required for this role. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Manage and treat patients with cancers as part of the site-specific MDTs.
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Provide on-call and acute cover for oncology inpatients and new inpatient referrals on a rotational basis (1 week out of 8).
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Attend weekly multi-disciplinary meetings.
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Hold an honorary lecturer position at a local medical school and participate in undergraduate teaching.
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Participate in clinical research as appropriate.
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Train and teach specialty trainees in medical oncology.
LIFE IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND
This role is based in the North of England, a region that offers the perfect balance of urban convenience and rural charm. Residents can enjoy city living in York or find quieter settings in the nearby countryside and villages. The area boasts outstanding schools, excellent transport links, and a wide variety of cultural, sporting, and outdoor activities. With its strong ties to Britain’s industrial heritage and the beautiful countryside on its doorstep, the North of England is a popular choice for healthcare professionals relocating to the UK.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
-
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
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