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 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
Manage a subspecialty caseload in Lung, H&N or Breast radiotherapy, delivering high-quality care and treatment planning.
Participate in MDT meetings, clinical governance, research and teaching activities.
Contribute to acute oncology on-call cover and peripheral clinics across the region.
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
Provision of the Acute Internal Medicine service, including same day emergency care, inpatients on the AMU, and the Short Stay Unit
Receiving referrals from primary care to provide clinical advice and triage for potential admissions
Supervision of junior doctors and alternative workforce, including advice on treatment plans
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
Provide clinical microbiology advice for inpatients and outpatients, including infection control and antimicrobial therapy recommendations.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings such as OPAT, diabetic foot, and spinal infection MDTs.
Be part of a 1:7 on-call rota, providing microbiology advice out-of-hours to hospital and community services.
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
Manage and treat patients with cancers as part of the site-specific MDTs.
Provide on-call and acute cover for oncology inpatients and new inpatient referrals on a rotational basis (1 week out of 8).
Attend weekly multi-disciplinary meetings.
Hold an honorary lecturer position at a local medical school and participate in undergraduate teaching.
Participate in clinical research as appropriate.
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
Would you like this version saved as a text document?