SAS Doctors’ Pay across the NHS

  • June 24, 2024
 

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.  

What is an SAS doctor?

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. 

Basic Pay

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: 

England

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

£68,174 

£75,998 

£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 

£100,784 

£107,155

The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here

Scotland

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  

£52,001  

£57,325  

£60,179 

£64,291 

Threshold 1 

£68,387 

£72,574 

£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  

£72,562

£77,959  

£85,088  

£91,265 

Threshold 1 

£93,829  

£97,174  

£99,513 

10 

Threshold 2 

11 

£102,762  

12 

13 

14 

£106,009  

15 

16 

17 

£109,259 

The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here

Wales

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 

£56,346

£64,915

£72,366

10 

£80,099 

11 

12 

13 

£90,000

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

 

Specialist 

Years of experience 

Basic Salary 

£91,500

£95,079

£101,089

The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here

Northern Ireland

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

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. 

 

Relevant Jobs

105,504 - 139,882
An NHS adolescent inpatient unit in the North West is looking for a Consultant in Adolescent Psychiatry with an interest in acute care pathways and short-stay treatment. The CAMHS department comprises a team of two consultants and is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including specialty doctors, clinical psychologists, and other allied professionals. This psychiatry job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCPsych 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 CCT in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or General Adult Psychiatry, or being within six months of obtaining one, is preferred for this role. Section 12 approval under the Mental Health Act is essential. Candidates with an interest in adolescent mental health care are encouraged to apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882, dependent on experience or grade.

CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
  • Provide clinical leadership for a general adolescent inpatient unit focusing on acute mental health needs and short-term treatment pathways.
  • Lead multidisciplinary assessments, treatment planning, and case management for adolescents with complex mental health disorders.
  • Supervise junior medical staff and contribute to training programs within the service.
  • Participate in clinical governance activities, including audits and service development initiatives.
LIFE IN THE NORTH WEST

Located in the vibrant North West region of England, this role offers a blend of urban and rural living opportunities. With excellent transport links to major cities and nearby countryside, the area provides a variety of housing, leisure activities, and cultural experiences. Families will benefit from outstanding schools and ample recreational opportunities. The region also boasts a rich industrial and cultural history that shapes its unique character.

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
105,504- 139,882

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

  • Provide specialist care for Breast and Lower GI cancer patients, including outpatient and radiotherapy services.
  • Actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings for Lung and GI malignancies.
  • Engage in research, clinical audits, and teaching activities to support professional development.
  • Contribute to the Acute Oncology Service (AOS) and provide clinical supervision for junior medical staff.

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:

  • CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
  • Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms and recruitment practices.
  • 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 guided throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives, including:

  • Document gathering and checking.
  • COS and visa application support if applicable.
  • Assistance with sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
  • Travel arrangements.
  • Family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
105,504 to 139,882
A teaching hospital in South England are looking to appoint a consultant histopathologist on a remote basis to report digitally for uro-pathology, skin, and breast pathology cases. Should candidate wish to be based on site, or with a hybrid work pattern this can of course be facilitated. 

Cellular Pathology Services

The Cellular and Anatomical Pathology Department encompasses histopathology, cytopathology, neuropathology, and anatomical pathology. Annually, it processes approximately 38,000 surgical biopsies, 2,000 non-cervical cytology samples, and conducts around 1,100 postmortem examinations.

The department is staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including consultant pathologists, biomedical scientists, and technical specialists. Services provided involve diagnostic evaluations of tissue samples to identify diseases such as cancer and precancerous conditions, utilizing techniques like special stains, immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, and molecular methods. The department\'s facilities are equipped to deliver timely and accurate diagnoses, with most straightforward biopsies reported within 14 working days.

Eligibility

Working arrangements can be discussed openly, with an understanding that flexible working and full off-site reporting is accepted and offered for those requiring so, and with specialist registration NHS consultant experience are invited to apply. 
105k - 136k

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

  • Lead and manage patients in the Acute Medical Unit and related wards.
  • Supervise and mentor junior medical staff.
  • Provide consultant support as part of the general medicine on-call rota.
  • Contribute to clinical governance, audit, and quality improvement initiatives.

LIFE IN THE REGION

This hospital is located in a well-connected town offering both city and rural living. With excellent schools, public transport options, and numerous leisure activities, it\'s ideal for both individuals and families. The area is known for its rich history and easy access to outdoor activities, making it a wonderful place to live and work.

105k - 139k

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:

  • Experience in Acute & General Internal Medicine

EEA candidates: 

  • Experience in Acute & General Internal Medicine
  • European Specialist Qualification

Non-EEA candidates:

  • MRCP
  • Experience in Acute & General Internal Medicine

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