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 |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 (min) |
£47,905 |
1 |
£52,001 |
2 |
£57,325 |
3 |
£60,179 |
4 |
£64,291 |
Threshold 1 |
|
5 |
£68,387 |
6 |
|
7 |
£72,574 |
8 |
|
9 |
£76,764 |
10 |
|
Threshold 2 |
|
11 |
£80,953 |
12 |
|
13 |
|
14 |
£85,141 |
15 |
|
16 |
|
17 |
£89,329 |
Associate Specialist |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
0 (min) |
£67,163 |
1 |
£72,562 |
2 |
£77,959 |
3 |
£85,088 |
4 |
£91,265 |
Threshold 1 |
|
5 |
£93,829 |
6 |
|
7 |
£97,174 |
8 |
|
9 |
£99,513 |
10 |
|
Threshold 2 |
|
11 |
£102,762 |
12 |
|
13 |
|
14 |
£106,009 |
15 |
|
17 |
£109,259 |
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 |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
1 |
£56,346 |
2 |
|
3 |
|
4 |
£64,915 |
5 |
|
6 |
|
7 |
£72,366 |
8 |
|
9 |
|
10 |
£80,099 |
11 |
|
12 |
|
13 |
£90,000 |
14 |
|
15 |
|
16 |
|
17 |
|
18 |
Specialist |
|
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
1 |
£91,500 |
2 |
|
3 |
|
4 |
£95,079 |
5 |
|
7 |
£101,089 |
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 |
£51,000 |
1
|
1 |
||
2 |
||
3 |
£60,519 |
2 |
4 |
||
5 |
||
6 |
£67,465 |
3 |
7 |
||
8 |
||
9 |
£74,675 |
4 |
10 |
||
11 |
||
12 |
£82,400 |
5 - top |
13 |
||
14 |
||
15 |
||
16 |
||
17 |
Specialist Doctor |
||
Years of experience |
Basic Salary |
Pay Point |
1 |
£83,945 |
1
|
2 |
||
3 |
||
4 |
£89,610 |
2 |
5 |
||
6 |
||
7 |
£95,275 |
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 hospital in London is looking for a Locum Consultant in Medical Oncology with an interest in GI and Lung malignancies. The Oncology department comprises a team of 16 Consultant Oncologists and is supported by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, pharmacists, and radiographers. This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist registration or MRCP 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
Applicants should have full GMC registration, MRCP (or equivalent), and substantial experience in Medical Oncology. Interest in Lung and GI malignancies is essential. The salary will be between £105,504- £139,882 dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
LIFE IN LONDON
London offers a dynamic and diverse environment with a mix of bustling urban areas and quieter suburban neighborhoods. It provides access to world-class educational institutions, excellent transport links, and a wide range of cultural, leisure, and historical attractions. London’s rich history and multicultural vibrancy make it an ideal location for both professional development and personal fulfillment.
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:
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and guided throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives, including:
A UK-based NHS hospital is looking for a Specialty Doctor in Acute Medicine with an interest in general medicine. The department comprises a team of consultants and middle-grade doctors, all working together to provide high-quality care to patients. This Acute Medicine role is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with MRCP or equivalent qualifications and those within 6 months of CCT 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
Candidates must be fully registered with the GMC and possess MRCP or equivalent qualifications. Entry on the Specialist Register or within six months of CCT at the time of interview is essential. Expertise in a broad range of medical conditions and the ability to lead a multi-professional team is required. Sub-specialty interests will be supported. The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
A leading NHS Trust in the East Midlands is offering an exciting opportunity for a Consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine. This role is ideal for doctors passionate about delivering high-quality care within a supportive and dynamic environment. The position is based at a CQC-rated \"Outstanding\" hospital, part of a trust recognized for its exceptional staff engagement and commitment to innovation. The role combines acute and sub-acute care responsibilities with opportunities to develop sub-specialist interests.
The Trust also provides CESR Portfolio Pathway support for international medical graduates (IMGs), facilitating the journey to consultant accreditation in the UK.
What is the NHS Trust like?
This NHS Trust serves a diverse population of over 500,000, providing acute and community care through a network of hospitals and clinics. Known for its collaborative approach, the Trust works closely with local health and social care providers to deliver integrated, patient-centered services.
The Trust is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing.
What is the department like?
The GIM department combines acute care expertise with specialty clinics, ensuring comprehensive and patient-focused services. Consultants lead a multidisciplinary team, supported by advanced diagnostic tools and robust training programs.
The team includes specialists in nephrology, geriatrics, and rheumatology, providing a collaborative environment where consultants can develop their expertise while delivering exceptional care. Supported by registrars, SHOs, and F1 doctors, consultants oversee a high volume of admissions—approximately 14,000 unselected medical emergencies annually—ensuring efficient and effective patient management.
Continued Professional Development
The role offers extensive CPD opportunities, including CESR support, specialty training, and leadership development programs. Consultants are encouraged to engage in research, audits, and teaching.
Location
Located in a vibrant region of the East Midlands, this area offers affordable living, excellent schools, and diverse cultural and recreational activities. With strong transport links, it is an ideal base for professionals and families.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
EEA candidates:
Non-EEA candidates: