For international doctors looking to work in the UK, it is important to understand the salary you will be offered with your NHS job and how this can be different depending on the country you are working in within the UK.
The NHS follow pay guidelines that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, however, these do differ across countries in the UK.
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 their relevant specialty.
They are experienced and senior doctors in fixed term or permanent posts (outside a training pathway).
Many SAS doctors have made a positive choice to step into a SAS position from a traditional consultant training pathway. This could be for reasons such as geographical stability or wanting to familiarise themselves with the NHS system before working up to a consultant position.
SAS doctors maintain their skills through the CPD system and there are routes, through gaining CESR (Specialist Registration) or applying for a training post, for SAS doctors to become consultants if they wish to.
Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in England and the other home countries have their own contracts in place for senior doctors. These contracts 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 the UK are shown below:
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £59,175 and £95,400 as Specialty Doctors and from £96,990 to £107,155 as Specialist Grade doctors in England.
Specialty Doctor |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 (min) |
£59,175 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
£68,174 |
4 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
£75,998 |
7 |
|
8 |
|
9 |
£84,121 |
10 |
|
11 |
|
12 |
£95,400 |
13 |
|
14 |
|
15 |
|
16 |
|
17 |
Associate Specialist / Specialist Grade |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 (min) |
£96,990 |
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
£100,784 |
4 |
|
6 |
£107,155 |
The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £47,905 and £89,329 as Specialty Doctors and from £67,163 to £109,259 as Associate Specialists in Scotland.
Specialty Doctor |
|
Scale point |
Basic Salary |
0 |
£61, 690 |
1 |
£61,690 |
2 |
£61,690 |
3 |
£73,593 |
4 |
£73,593 |
5 |
£73,593 |
6 |
£78,099 |
7 |
£78,099 |
8 |
£78,099 |
9 |
£87,115 |
10 |
£87,115 |
11 |
£87,115 |
12 |
£96,129 |
13 |
£96,129 |
14 |
£96,129 |
15 |
£96,129 |
16 |
£96,129 |
17 |
£96,129 |
Associate Specialist |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 |
£96,990 |
1 |
£96,990 |
2 |
£96,990 |
3 |
£100,784 |
4 |
£100,784 |
5 |
£100,784 |
6 |
£100,784 |
The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £56,346 and £90,000 as Specialty Doctors and from £91,500 to £101,089 as Specialists in Wales.
Specialty Doctor |
|
Pay Scale Point |
Basic Salary |
01 |
£59,727 |
02 |
£59,727 |
03 |
£59,727 |
04 |
£68,810 |
05 |
£68,810 |
06 |
£68,810 |
07 |
£76,708 |
08 |
£76,708 |
09 |
£76,708 |
10 |
£84,905 |
11 |
£84,905 |
12 |
£84,905 |
13 |
£95,400 |
14 |
£95,400 |
15 |
£95,400 |
16 |
£95,400 |
17 |
£95,400 |
18 |
£95,400 |
Specialist Grade |
|
Pay Scale Point |
Basic Salary |
01 |
£96,990 |
02 |
£96,990 |
03 |
£96,990 |
04 |
£100,784 |
05 |
£100,784 |
06 |
£100,784 |
07 |
£100,784 |
The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £52,530 and £82,400 as Specialty Doctors and from £83,945 to £95,275 as Associate Specialists in Northern Ireland.
Specialty Doctor |
||
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
Pay Point |
0 |
£59,175 |
1
|
1 |
||
2 |
||
3 |
£68,174 |
2 |
4 |
||
5 |
||
6 |
£75,998 |
3 |
7 |
||
8 |
||
9 |
£84,121 |
4 |
10 |
||
11 |
||
12 |
£95,400 |
5 - top |
13 |
||
14 |
||
15 |
||
16 |
||
17 |
Specialist Doctor |
||
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
Pay Point |
1 |
£96,990 |
1
|
2 |
||
3 |
||
4 |
£100,784 |
2 |
5 |
||
6 |
||
7 |
£107,155 |
3 (top) |
The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.
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.
An NHS teaching hospital in Kent is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in urology. The Oncology department comprises a team of over 40 Clinical and Medical Oncology consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors, fellows, and trainees.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist qualifications or FRCR are most encouraged to apply.CCT in Clinical Oncology or equivalent experience, including CESR pathway candidates.
The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
Provide high-quality specialist care to melanoma patients attending the Kent Oncology Centre.
Attend relevant MDT meetings and coordinate treatment planning with other specialists.
Participate in departmental research initiatives and contribute to national and local clinical trials.
Contribute to training and supervision of junior doctors and participate in clinical governance activities.
The area offers the best of both worlds: urban living in towns like Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, and tranquil countryside villages such as Lenham or Goudhurst.
Kent boasts a wide range of excellent primary and secondary schools, including several grammar schools, and is well connected to London via high-speed rail and road. Residents enjoy easy access to historic castles, the coast, national parks, shopping, and outdoor activities—perfect for both adults and families.
Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent holds historical significance with its Roman heritage, medieval cathedrals, and coastal defense legacy, offering a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.
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 general hospital in Wales is seeking a Locum Consultant in Geriatric Medicine with a special interest in Orthogeriatrics. The department includes a team of 9 consultants and is supported by a large middle grade doctor team. This Geriatric Medicine role welcomes both UK-based and international applicants, especially those holding MRCP(UK) or equivalent 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
Applicants should hold full GMC registration and MRCP, with solid experience in general and geriatric medicine. Subspecialty interest in Geriatric Medicine is desirable
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN WALES
This role is based in a picturesque Welsh town offering both urban convenience and rural tranquility, with popular residential areas including charming market towns and countryside villages.
The region provides great schooling options, strong transport connections, and plenty of family-friendly leisure activities.
Historically rich, the area features medieval architecture and has played a significant role in Welsh and British 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:
An NHS teaching hospital, in Kent is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with an interest in Melanoma. The Oncology department comprises a team of over 40 Clinical and Medical Oncology consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors, fellows, and trainees.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist qualifications or MRCP are most encouraged to apply.CCT in Medical Oncology or equivalent experience, including CESR pathway candidates.
The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
Provide high-quality specialist care to melanoma patients attending the Kent Oncology Centre.
Attend relevant MDT meetings and coordinate treatment planning with other specialists.
Participate in departmental research initiatives and contribute to national and local clinical trials.
Contribute to training and supervision of junior doctors and participate in clinical governance activities.
The area offers the best of both worlds: urban living in towns like Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, and tranquil countryside villages such as Lenham or Goudhurst.
Kent boasts a wide range of excellent primary and secondary schools, including several grammar schools, and is well connected to London via high-speed rail and road. Residents enjoy easy access to historic castles, the coast, national parks, shopping, and outdoor activities—perfect for both adults and families.
Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent holds historical significance with its Roman heritage, medieval cathedrals, and coastal defense legacy, offering a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.
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 specialist cancer centre in Lancashire and South Cumbria is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with an interest in upper and lower GI cancers. The oncology department comprises a team of 8 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors.
Anyone 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 or MRCP are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone with an interest in upper and lower GI oncology should apply.
The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
Provide systemic therapy services for patients with upper and lower GI cancers across UHMB sites.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings for lung and upper GI cancer and support associated administrative duties.
Lead and contribute to acute oncology services across the Trust (no on-call required).
Support teaching, supervision, and mentorship for junior medical staff and trainees.
LIFE IN LANCASHIRE AND SOUTH CUMBRIA
The area is rich with excellent schools, convenient rail and road links, and beautiful scenery for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, the region has played a key role in British shipbuilding and industrial development and today combines coastal charm with cultural heritage and modern living.
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