If you're an international doctor considering a career with the NHS in Northern Ireland, understanding the NHS salary structure is essential. Overseas doctors often find the NHS pay scales complex, but knowing how they work is key to planning your move to the UK.
Doctors working within HSC (Health and Social Care) Northern Ireland are compensated with competitive pay and comprehensive benefits. However, for international medical graduates, navigating the various NHS pay bands can be daunting.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different NHS grades and explain how they relate to pay scales in Northern Ireland, so you can better understand your earning potential as a doctor in the NHS.
In this article we will take a look at the following topics:
Typical NHS doctor’s salary in Northern Ireland
FY1 & FY2
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
Specialty Doctor
Associate Specialist
Consultants
Where do I fit on the pay scale?
Doctors in training pay scale
Specialty Doctor Pay Scale
Specialist Grade Pay Scale
Consultant Pay Pcale
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms & conditions
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
Trust doctor jobs and IMGs' pay
It’s important to understand that most overseas doctors begin their UK careers in a fixed-term Trust doctor role (also known as a service post) before moving into a training position. Doctors at all levels can enter a service post, which means they are not in formal training or pursuing specialty training.
Most of our job adverts for fixed-term or permanent roles are for service positions, typically for SAS doctors, consultants, SHO, or Trust doctor roles equivalent to FY2, ST1/2, or ST3+. These posts can be particularly attractive due to the potential for higher, negotiable salaries, based on experience and demand, making them an appealing option for international doctors.
The pay scales that we have included in this article are to be used as a guide or starting point for negotiating your Trust doctor role (or service post).
Typical NHS doctor’s salary in Northern Ireland
FY1 & FY2
At Foundation Year 1 (FY1), your starting basic salary is £29,566, which increases to £36,371 in your second year (FY2).
As a doctor in training, you will receive a basic salary based on a 40-hour workweek, along with additional pay for extra hours worked. This includes a 37% pay enhancement for night shifts, a weekend allowance for weekend work, an on-call allowance, and other potential pay premiums depending on your specific duties and schedule. These enhancements ensure you're fairly compensated for the demands of your role.
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
If you are a doctor starting your specialist training, your basic salary starts at £38,780 and can progress to £50,903.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums.
Specialty Doctor
Specialty doctors currently earn from £52,530 to £82,400 basic pay.
The basic contract is for 40 hours. As a specialty doctor you can be paid for additional duties, extra hours worked, weekend work and on calls.
Specialist Grade
A key element of recent SAS contract reform is the introduction of a new grade, called the Specialist grade or Associate Specialist, which will provide an opportunity for career progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. Associate Specialists doctors can earn a basic of between £83,945 to £95,275.
Consultant
Consultants currently earn from £88,799 to £119,723 basic pay.
As a consultant you can be paid for additional duties and may be eligible for Clinical Excellence Awards, which reward outstanding performance. The basic contract is for 40 hours per week.
If you take on extra responsibilities (i.e. management or education) you can also expect to be paid additional supplements.
So where do I fit on the pay scale?
There are a few key points when considering where you fit on the pay scale:
Job title
Experience
Hours worked
Trusts can be different
Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating Your NHS Job Offer
When applying for NHS jobs as an international doctor, it's essential to fully understand how factors like your job title, experience, hours worked, and the specific NHS Trust can impact your salary. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
1. Job Title
Your job title is a key factor in determining your pay scale.
At the Consultant level, your role and pay are straightforward—you will be a consultant.
However, at the Specialty Doctor level, your title could vary between SAS Doctor, Specialty Doctor, or Trust Grade Doctor.
As an ST (Specialty Trainee) or SHO (Senior House Officer), you could work across several levels.
Each of these titles commands a different pay scale, depending on the level of responsibility and experience required. It's crucial to carefully check the job title you're applying for and ensure you understand the corresponding pay scale.
2. Experience in Your Specialty
Your years of experience in your chosen specialty directly affect your position on the pay scale.
For example, when calculating pay for a Specialty Doctor in Medicine, an NHS Trust may deduct two years of experience to account for Core Training in the UK. However, this deduction may not apply in all specialties, so it’s important to verify with an IMG Consultant for specific details related to your field.
3. Hours You Will Work
Your working hours are another critical factor. Both SAS Doctors and Consultants typically work based on Programmed Activities (PAs).
Each PA represents 4 hours of work, with a standard week consisting of 10 PAs (40 hours).
Your basic salary will be calculated based on this 40-hour week, but if you work more than 10 PAs, you will receive additional pay on top of your base salary.
This system ensures that you are compensated fairly for any extra hours worked.
4. NHS Trust Variations
Lastly, be aware that some NHS Trusts may interpret pay scales and experience differently. While all NHS Trusts are expected to follow the same pay scale structures when recruiting doctors, there can be variations in how they assess your experience and apply salary scales.
Make sure to ask questions during the interview process and clarify how your pay is calculated to avoid any surprises.
When evaluating your NHS job offer, taking the time to understand the nuances of your job title, experience, working hours, and the specific NHS Trust is essential. These factors will ultimately determine your position on the pay scale and the salary you can expect.
This blog is a guideline, and if you are not sure of how to approach this discussion with an HR department, it can be very useful for an IMG Connect consultant to assist with the negotiations to ensure that your experience is always taken into account.
NHS Pay Scales in Northern Ireland
Doctors in Training: Understanding Service Level Jobs and Pay Scales
Service level jobs within the NHS are in high demand across all levels of experience, offering competitive rates of pay for international doctors. Once you're in the UK, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for training roles, depending on your entry level.
The pay scale for doctors in training varies based on entry points, including FY1 (Foundation Year 1), ST1/CT1 (Specialty Training/Core Training Year 1), and ST3/4. These roles come with a standard working week of 10 Programmed Activities (PAs), equating to 40 hours. However, if you work additional hours, on-call shifts, or weekends, your take-home pay will increase accordingly.
Use the following pay scale as a guide for service level posts. Keep in mind, by consulting with an IMG Consultant, you may find opportunities to negotiate higher pay based on your experience and the demand for your specialty. It’s very possible to earn more than the standard pay scales listed below.
Understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions as you navigate your NHS career and maximise your earnings.
Foundation Doctors & Specialty Registrars
Scale
Foundation Doctor 1
M220
Foundation Doctor 2
M230
Specialty Registrar (fixed term)
M240
Specialty Registrar (core training)
MN39
Specialty Registrar (full)
MN37
Min
£29,566
£36,371
£38,780
£38,780
£38,780
1
£31,334
£38,666
£41,078
£41,078
£41,078
2
£33,099
£40,964
£44,283
£44,283
£44,283
3
£46,224
£46,224
£46,224
4
£48,563
£48,563
£48,563
5
£50,903
£50,903
£50,903
6
£53,243
7
£55,582
8
£57,921
9
£60,261
SAS Doctor Pay Scale
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 the relevant specialty. Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in Scotland have their own contracts in place for senior doctors these contracts are based in full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities per week it has been timetabled value of four hours. The new pay structure will enable SAS doctors to access the top of the pay scale more quickly than the current system, increasing the career average earnings.
It is important to note that your pay will reflect your experience within your chosen field.
The pay code on the left-hand side of the table below correlates to the number of years’ experience that you qualify for in your chosen specialty, and the number of years that the HR department are going to attribute to you.
Remember to discount any years that you have worked in an internship. And if you are working in a medicine specialty, deduct any core training years.
In the first threshold, for every year of experience you gain, this entitles you to a pay rise. In the second threshold, you will receive an increase every two years, and in the third, every three years.
The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Specialty Doctor
Years' Experience
Basic Salary
Pay Point
0
£52,530
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 Grade
Years' Experience
Basic Salary
Pay Point
1
£83,945
1
2
3
4
£89,610
2
5
6
7
£95,275
3 (top)
Consultant Pay Scale
Service level consultant doctor jobs are in high demand in Scotland at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay.
At the consultant grade, HR departments will look at your years of experience within your specialty, as a consultant.
On the table below, you can see that all you need to do is count up the total number of complete years of experience (12 months each) as a consultant, and then count down the rows to establish your salary position.
Like the above, the salary is based on a standard working week of 10 PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
Remember, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Threshold
Years completed as a consultant
Basic Salary
1
1 (starting salary)
£88,799
2
2
£91,581
3
3
£94,362
4
4
£97,141
5
5
£99,913
6
7
8
9
6
10
£106,520
11
12
13
14
7
15
£113,124
16
17
18
19
8
20+
£119,723
The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms & conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website.
You may be eligible for additional pay on top of your basic salary if you work above the standard 10 PAs, work on call & weekends, or take on extra responsibilities. All doctors are eligible for NHS pensions and benefits.
Sources
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-hsc-tc8-03-2022.PDF
NHS Consultant Salary: Monthly Take-Home Pay for International Doctors in Scotland
For international medical graduates (IMGs) interested in NHS jobs in Scotland, understanding what an NHS consultant salary translates to in monthly take-home pay is essential for financial planning. To assist overseas doctors in preparing for life in the UK, we’ve provided examples to give you a clearer idea of your potential monthly earnings.
How Much Will I Take Home?
In the UK, your take-home pay is the amount you receive in your bank account after all mandatory deductions from your annual salary. These deductions include:
Income Tax
National Insurance contributions
NHS pension payments
Our figures serve as a general guideline. They are based on the gross salary for each pay scale and assume no additional sources of income. However, your actual take-home pay can vary based on:
Additional responsibilities or extra hours worked
Other income sources
Your final tax bracket
Decisions regarding NHS pension contributions
Claims for tax-deductible expenses
Take-Home Pay Expectations in Scotland
For NHS consultants in Scotland, the monthly take-home pay will depend on these factors. Use our examples as a starting point, but remember that actual earnings can differ. To get the most accurate information for your specific situation, consult with an IMG specialist or financial advisor. Understanding how NHS consultant salaries translate into monthly take-home pay will help you effectively plan your finances and ensure a smooth transition to your new role in Scotland.
Threshold
Annual gross salary*
Estimated annual take-home pay**
Estimated monthly take-home pay**
1
£96,963
£5,300
£5,300
2
£99,011
£64,687
£5,391
3
£101,957
£65,808
£5,484
4
£104,906
£66,707
£5,559
5
£107,846
£67,604
£5,634
6
£114,846
£69,739
£5,812
7
£121,846
£71,874
£5,990
8
£128,841
£74,729
£6,227
*before tax and pension
**based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions
To explore detailed information on NHS pay scales and salary conditions across all grades in the UK, check out our comprehensive series of blogs on career structure and NHS doctor pay in our IMG Resources library. These resources are designed to help international doctors understand their earning potential at various stages of their careers in the NHS.
Are you an international doctor considering a move to the UK and curious about NHS pay in Wales? Understanding what an NHS consultant salary means in terms of monthly take-home pay is crucial for your financial planning.
To help overseas doctors like you prepare for life in the UK, we've put together practical examples to illustrate what you can realistically expect to keep each month in Wales. These insights aim to make your transition smoother and more informed.
How Much Will I Take Home?
In the UK, your take-home pay is the amount that reaches your bank account after mandatory deductions, such as Income Tax, National Insurance, and NHS pension contributions, have been made from your annual salary.
Please note that these figures are intended as a guideline. We've based them on gross salary at each pay threshold, assuming no other sources of income. Your actual take-home pay may vary depending on factors like additional responsibilities, extra hours worked, other income sources, your tax bracket, pension choices, and any tax-deductible expenses you claim.
By providing these examples, we aim to support your journey towards a fulfilling career in the NHS and a well-prepared life in Wales.
Take-Home Pay Expectations in Wales
Threshold
Annual gross salary*
Estimated annual take-home pay**
Estimated monthly take-home pay**
1
£100,000
£68,557
£5,713
2
£105,000
£70,457
£5,871
3
£110,000
£72,357
£6,030
4
£115,000
£74,257
£6,188
5
£123,000
£77,297
£6,441
6
£130,000
£80,686
£6,724
7
£138,000
£84,926
£7,077
8
£146,000
£89,166
£7,431
*based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions
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.
Understanding your NHS doctor salary in Scotland is essential for overseas doctors new to the UK.
In this guide, we aim to provide clarity on NHS grades in Scotland and how they align with the various NHS pay bands. If you're an international doctor considering a position in the NHS, understanding these pay structures is key to maximizing your earning potential in Scotland.
In this article we will take a look at the following topics:
Trust doctor jobs and pay for IMGs
Typical NHS doctor’s salary in Scotland
FY1 & FY2
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
Specialty Doctor
Specialist Grade / Associate Specialist
Consultant
Where do I fit on the pay scale?
Doctors in training pay scale
SAS Doctor pay scale
Consultant pay scale
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms and conditions
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
Trust Doctor Jobs & IMGs' Pay
It is important to note that the majority of overseas doctors will start their career in the UK in a fixed term trust doctor role (also known as a service post), before taking up a training position. Doctors across all grades can enter a service post which means to say that they are not in training or entering specialty training.
As such, most of our adverts for fixed term or permanent posts will be service level jobs, these are usually SAS doctor, consultant, SHO or Trust doctor posts at the equivalent of FY2, ST1/2, ST3+. These can be attractive due to the improved doctor’s salaries that can be negotiated for fixed term contracts, based on experience and demand.
The salary pay scales that we have included in this article are to be used as a guide or starting point for negotiating your trust doctor role (or service post).
Typical NHS Doctor’s Salary in Scotland
FY1 & FY2
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) your basic salary is £31,082, increasing to a maximum of £38,553.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums.
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
If you are a doctor starting your specialist training in 2019, your basic salary starts at £40,995 and can progress to £54,235.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums.
Specialty Doctor
Specialty doctors currently earn from £58,198 to £90,688 basic pay.
The basic contract is for 40 hours. As a specialty doctor you can be paid for additional duties, extra hours worked, weekend work and on calls.
Specialist Grade / Associate Specialist
A key element of recent SAS contract reform is the introduction of a new grade, called the Specialist Grade (or Associate Specialist), which will provide an opportunity for career progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. Specialist Grade doctors can earn a basic of between £88,118 to £100,011.
Consultant
Consultants currently earn from £96,963 to £128,841 basic pay.
As a consultant you can be paid for additional duties and may be eligible for Clinical Excellence Awards, which reward outstanding performance. The basic contract is for 40 hours per week.
If you take on extra responsibilities (i.e. management or education) you can also expect to be paid additional supplements.
Placement onto Pay Scale
There are a few key points when considering where you fit on the pay scale:
Job title
Experience
Hours worked
Trusts can be different
Job Title
The first thing to consider is your job title.
At the Consultant level, it is straight forward, you will be a consultant. However, at the Specialty Doctor level, you could be working as an SAS doctor, a Specialty Doctor or a Trust Grade doctor. As an ST or SHO you could also work across several levels.
Each could command a different pay scale depending on the level of work and experience required.
Take some time to check the job title that you are applying and interviewing for, and subsequently the pay scale that you can expect.
Experience within your chosen field
Next, consider the number of years of experience you have in your specialty, this is crucial to identifying your position on the pay scale.
This is important as an NHS Trust will calculate your pay for a Specialty Doctor in Medicine by deducting two of your years of experience to compensate for the Core Training years in the UK. Please note, for some specialties this does not apply, check with an IMG Consultant for more information.
Hours you will work
The second thing to consider is how many hours you will be working. For more senior doctors, including Specialty Doctors, Associate Specialists/ Specialist Grades and Consultants, the hours are usually established using PAs (programmed activities). Each PA is worth 4 hrs of your week, and a standard week is 40 hrs. A standard salary is based on a full working week of 10 PAs (40 hours). If you work above 10 PAs, then you will gain additional salary on top of your basic pay.
NHS trusts can be different
The last thing to consider before we look at the pay scales, is that some NHS Trusts can interpret the pay scales and a doctor’s experience in different ways. All NHS Trusts should be following the same pay scale structures when recruiting and offering salaries to doctors, but this is not always the case!
This blog is a guideline, and if you are not sure of how to approach this discussion with an HR department, it can be very useful for an IMG Connect consultant to assist with the negotiations to ensure that your experience is always taken into account.
NHS Pay Scales in Scotland
Doctors in Training
Service level jobs are in high demand at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay. It is also important to remember that once in the UK, you will have the option to apply for training, depending on your entry level.
The below pay scale reflects the pay at each level depending on the entry points to training, which are FY1/ F1, ST1/ CT1 and ST3/ 4.
The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Foundation Doctors & Specialty Registrars
Scale
Foundation Doctor 1
MN13
Foundation Doctor 2
MN13
Specialty Registrar (fixed term)
MN35
Specialty Registrar (core training)
MN39
Specialty Registrar (full)
MN37
Min
£31,082
£38,553
£40,995
£40,995
£40,995
1
£33,024
£41,075
£43,504
£43,504
£43,504
2
£34,964
£43,597
£47,007
£47,007
£47,007
3
£49,126
£49,126
£49,126
4
£51,680
£51,680
£51,680
5
£54,235
£54,235
£54,235
6
£56,793
7
£59,384
8
£61,903
9
£64,461
SAS Doctor Pay Scale
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 the relevant specialty. Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in Scotland have their own contracts in place for senior doctors these contracts are based in full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities per week it has been timetabled value of four hours. The new pay structure will enable SAS doctors to access the top of the pay scale more quickly than the current system, increasing the career average earnings.
It is important to note that your pay will reflect your experience within your chosen field.
The pay code on the left-hand side of the table below correlates to the number of years’ experience that you qualify for in your chosen specialty, and the number of years that the HR department are going to attribute to you.
Remember to discount any years that you have worked in an internship. And if you are working in a medicine specialty, deduct any core training years.
In the first threshold, for every year of experience you gain, this entitles you to a pay rise. In the second threshold, you will receive an increase every two years, and in the third, every three years.
The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Scale Point
Specialty Doctor
Pay Points
0
£58,198
1 year
1
£58,198
1 year
2
£58,198
1 year
3
£69,427
2 years
4
£69,427
2 years
5
£69,427
2 years
6
£73,678
3 years
7
£73,678
3 years
8
£73,678
3 years
9
£82,184
4 years
10
£82,184
4 years
11
£82,184
4 years
12
£90,688
5 years
13
£90,688
5 years
14
£90,688
5 years
15
£90,688
5 years
16
£90,688
5 years
17
£90,688
5 years
Scale Point
Specialist Doctor
Pay Points
0
£88,118
1 Year
1
£88,118
1 Year
2
£88,118
1 Year
3
£94,065
2 Years
4
£94,065
2 Years
5
£94,065
2 Years
6
£100,011
3 Years
Consultant Pay Scale
Service level consultant doctor jobs are in high demand in Scotland at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay.
At the consultant grade, HR departments will look at your years of experience within your specialty, as a consultant.
On the table below, you can see that all you need to do is count up the total number of complete years of experience (12 months each) as a consultant, and then count down the rows to establish your salary position.
Like the above, the salary is based on a standard working week of 10 PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
Remember, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Years consultant experience
Basic salary
Pay point
1
£96,963
1 year
2
£99,011
1 year
3
£101,957
1 year
4
£104,906
1 year
5
£107,846
5 years
6
£107,846
4 years
7
£107,846
3 years
8
£107,846
2 years
9
£107,846
1 year
10
£114,846
5 years
11
£114,846
4 years
12
£114,846
3 years
13
£114,846
2 years
14
£114,846
1 year
15
£121,846
5 years
16
£121,846
4 years
17
£121,846
3 years
18
£121,846
2 years
19
£121,846
1 year
20
£128,841
N/A
Additional Pay, Benefits, Pensions and Terms & Conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in the pay and conditions circulars here.
You may be eligible for additional pay on top of your basic salary if you work above the standard 10 PAs, work on call & weekends, or take on extra responsibilities. All doctors are eligible for NHS pensions and benefits.
Sources
https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pcs/PCS2022(DD)01.pdf
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.
Many overseas pathologists wonder how UK reporting patterns are structured within the NHS. One of the key benefits of working as a histopathologist in the NHS is the use of the RCPath points system. But what does this actually mean?
What is the RCPath Points System?
The RCPath points system is used by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) in the UK to measure the workload of pathologists. The system assigns points to different activities based on their complexity and the time required to complete them. This helps in workload planning and ensures that tasks are distributed fairly among pathologists. You can read more about the points system via the RCPath publicised document here.
Here's a summary of some key features, focusing on histopathology, cytology, and autopsy practice. You can also find the most recent updates on this via the RCPath website here.
1 - 5 Minutes
1 Point
6 - 10 Minutes
2 Points
11 - 20 Minutes
3 Points
21 - 30 Minutes
5 Points
31 - 50 Minutes
8 Points
> 50 Minutes
12 Points
Points Allocation:
Histopathology: Different types of specimens are assigned specific points based on the complexity of the examination. For example, simple biopsies might be assigned fewer points, while complex surgical resections would have higher points.
Cytopathology: Points are allocated based on the type of cytology specimen, such as fine needle aspirations or exfoliative cytology.
Post-Mortem Examinations: Autopsies are assigned points depending on the type (e.g., routine or complex cases).
Workload Management:
Daily/Weekly Limits: The system sets recommended daily or weekly points totals to prevent overworking and ensure manageable workloads.
Job Planning: Pathologists' job plans are often based on achieving a certain number of points per session or week, balancing clinical duties with other responsibilities like teaching or research.
Fair Distribution:
The system aims to distribute cases evenly among pathologists by assigning points based on workload rather than just the number of cases. This helps maintain fairness within pathology departments.
Adjustments:
Complex Cases: Cases requiring additional time or expertise, such as those needing second opinions or further testing, may have adjusted points.
Special Circumstances: Adjustments can also be made for special circumstances, such as when pathologists are in training or dealing with new techniques.
What is the Purpose and Benefit of the RCPath Points System?
Ultimately, every decision in the NHS is made with the aim of improving patient experience and care—a central theme of all work within the NHS.
The RCPath points system benefits patient outcomes in the following ways:
Standardisation of Reports and Quality: Provides a standardised way to measure and compare workloads across different institutions and pathologists.
Efficiency of Reporting and Staff Workload: Helps in resource allocation, ensuring that pathologists are not overburdened and that the quality of work is maintained.
Transparency Among Colleagues: Offers transparency in workload expectations and aids in discussions around job planning and workload distribution.
The RCPath points system is a structured approach to ensuring that pathologists’ workloads are balanced, manageable, and fair, contributing to better patient care and job satisfaction.
If you would like to read more about how staffing and workload for pathology departments are assessed and managed by the Royal College, an updated version of the RCPath Best Practice Recommendations is due for publication soon.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Passing the FRCPath Part 2 exam is a significant milestone in a histopathologist’s career, marking the transition to consultant-level practice in the UK. We are proud to introduce our expert faculty member, Dr Debdeep Dey, FRCPath, who brings extensive experience and a passion for teaching to our programme.
Here are Dr Debdeep Dey’s top 10 tips to help you prepare effectively and pass the FRCPath Part 2 exam:
1. Understand the Exam Structure
Familiarise yourself with the format of the FRCPath Part 2 exam, which includes long cases, short cases, frozen sections, and a viva (oral examination). Understanding the structure and expectations for each component will help you tailor your preparation accordingly.
2. Create a Study Plan
Develop a detailed study plan that covers all aspects of the exam. Allocate time for reviewing textbooks, practising with histopathology slides, and engaging in mock exams. Consistency is key, so ensure your study plan is realistic and follows a regular schedule.
3. Use a Variety of Resources
Diversify your study materials. Utilise textbooks, online resources, and practice slide sets. Resources like the Royal College of Pathologists website, PathSoc, and IMG Connect offer valuable guidance and preparatory materials.
4. Join a Study Group
Consider joining a study group or finding a study partner. Discussing cases and sharing insights with peers can provide new perspectives and enhance your understanding. Study groups also offer mutual support and motivation. If you haven't already, join the IMG Histopathology group to find a study partner and stay updated on our free educational webinars!
5. Practise, Practise, Practise
Hands-on practice with histopathology slides is crucial. Review as many cases as possible, covering a wide range of pathologies. Practise interpreting slides under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment and improve your speed and accuracy.
6. Attend Courses and Workshops
Participate in courses and workshops tailored to the FRCPath Part 2 exam. These courses provide invaluable insights into exam techniques, common pitfalls, and key focus areas. They also offer opportunities to interact with experienced pathologists and examiners. Join the IMG Histopathology group to join our free educational webinars!
7. Focus on High-Yield Topics
Identify and prioritise high-yield topics frequently tested in the exam. Common areas include neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathology, dermatopathology, gastrointestinal pathology, and gynaecological pathology. Ensure you have a thorough understanding of these topics.
8. Develop Your Diagnostic Skills
Sharpen your diagnostic skills by practising with unknown cases. Aim to provide comprehensive differential diagnoses and consider the clinical context. Focus on formulating concise, accurate reports that demonstrate your ability to manage real-life diagnostic challenges.
9. Prepare for the Viva
The viva component assesses your ability to discuss cases, defend your diagnoses, and demonstrate your clinical reasoning. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently. Engage in mock vivas with colleagues or mentors to gain experience and receive constructive feedback.
10. Take Care of Yourself
Ensure you maintain a healthy balance between study and personal well-being. Rest, nutrition, and exercise are essential for optimal cognitive function and stress management. Avoid burnout by scheduling regular breaks and leisure activities.
Conclusion
Passing the FRCPath Part 2 exam requires dedication, thorough preparation, and a strategic approach. By following these tips and leveraging available resources, you can enhance your readiness and increase your chances of success. Persistence and perseverance are key, and each step brings you closer to becoming a consultant histopathologist.
Best of luck with your preparation, from all at IMG Connect!
Are you a Doctor considering a career move to Jersey? Understanding doctor pay in Jersey is crucial when planning the next step in your career.
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, not only offers a stunning living environment but also provides highly competitive salaries for medical professionals. As our team at IMG Connect partners with Jersey Health and Community Services, placing doctors into their excellent services, we thought we'd put together a short guide to delve into Jersey doctor pay by grade, helping you make an informed decision about your future career.
Foundation Doctors (FY1 & FY2) Pay in Jersey
For newly qualified doctors, starting in Jersey offers an appealing financial incentive. The salary for a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor begins at approximately £32,398 per year—higher than the equivalent in the UK. Moving into Foundation Year 2 (FY2), the pay increases to around £37,303 annually. These figures reflect base salaries, but additional earnings can be accrued through compensation for unsocial hours, night shifts, and weekend work. This makes Jersey an excellent starting point for medical professionals beginning their careers.
Specialty Training (ST1 – ST3) Pay in Jersey
Jersey doctor pay becomes even more attractive as you move into Specialty Training (ST1 to ST3). Salaries for Specialty Trainees in Jersey range between £43,923 and £55,329 per year. The exact salary depends on your level of training and experience. Just like in the UK, these figures can be increased with enhancements for extra hours, night shifts, and weekend duties, making doctor pay in Jersey highly rewarding for those in specialty training.
Associate Specialist Pay in Jersey
For doctors who are looking to step up without taking on a full consultant role, the Associate Specialist position in Jersey offers lucrative opportunities. Jersey doctor pay for Associate Specialists ranges from £83,519 to £126,025 annually. This pay scale is higher than that of the UK, reflecting the island’s higher cost of living and the demand for skilled medical professionals. The role also includes potential earnings through additional responsibilities, further enhancing doctor pay in Jersey.
Consultant Pay in Jersey
Consultant roles in Jersey are particularly well-compensated, with annual salaries ranging from £110,257.50 to £164,372.63. Beyond this base pay, consultants have the opportunity to earn more through additional responsibilities, such as management roles or educational duties. Jersey also offers Clinical Excellence Awards to recognise and reward outstanding performance, further enhancing the potential earnings for consultants on the island.
Tax Benefits of Working in Jersey
These include a base 20% tax rate, generous pension schemes, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and ample opportunities for professional development. Jersey’s healthcare system is known for its supportive environment, which fosters both personal and professional growth, making Jersey doctor pay and lifestyle a compelling combination.
Why Choose Jersey for Your Medical Career?
Choosing Jersey means opting for more than just competitive salaries. Jersey doctor pay is complemented by the island's beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and a tight-knit community. If you’re looking for a career that offers both financial reward and a high quality of life, Jersey could be the perfect destination for your next professional chapter.
Conclusion: Jersey Doctor Pay – Competitive and Rewarding
Doctor pay in Jersey is highly competitive across all levels, from Foundation Doctors to Consultants. With salaries that often surpass those in the UK and a range of additional benefits, Jersey offers a unique opportunity for medical professionals. Whether you are just starting or are an experienced doctor, Jersey doctor pay combined with the island's exceptional living conditions makes it an ideal location for advancing your medical career.
If you want to read more about the top places to visit on the Island of Jersey click here to read this blog!
For more information on Jersey doctor pay and job opportunities, don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in Jersey. To view the full Government of Jersey - Doctors and Medical Consultants click here!
As we continue on our journey through UK Life & Culture we land on one of IMG Connects favorite topics of all – Sport!
Britain most definitely is a sporting nation and with events running throughout the whole year there are so many amazing events for IMGs to enjoy once living in the UK – no matter where you live.
So what are our 6 must-see British Sporting events? Let’s find out…..
The British invented many of the sports we find popular in the world today including football, rugby, cricket, golf, badminton, field hockey, tennis, table tennis, snooker, curling and darts to name just a few!
Football - English & Scottish Premier Leagues
When: August to May
Where: Throughout the UK
Like the rest of the world, football is huge in the UK, and with more big teams than ever challenging for the championship, it’s a hugely exciting time to watch British football. Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham represent the biggest clubs in England. However, with recent successes from teams like Newcastle United and Brighton, the competition is fiercer than ever.
In Scotland, the passion for football is just as intense. The 2023-24 season sees Celtic and Rangers, two of the biggest clubs in Britain, battling it out once more for the Scottish title.
Did you know? The 2022-23 English Premier League season saw Arsenal mount a strong challenge for the title, ultimately finishing second. Bukayo Saka, one of their star players, became the first English player under the age of 22 to score 10+ goals and provide 10+ assists in a single Premier League season, showcasing the incredible young talent in the league.
Cricket & The Ashes
When: Throughout the summer
Where: Throughout the UK
Cricket, a quintessentially English sport, is beloved worldwide, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
Whether it’s T20, one-day internationals, or a full Test match, there are countless great cricket matches to attend in the UK. Each offers a fantastic day out with friends or family.
2023 was a memorable year for cricket, with England reclaiming the Ashes on home soil. The summer of 2024 will feature thrilling Test series and T20 matches, continuing the legacy of exciting cricket.
Did you know? The term 'Ashes' was first used after England lost to Australia, for the first time on home soil, at The Oval on 29th August 1882. A day later, the Sporting Times carried a mock obituary of English cricket which concluded that: "The body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia".
Tennis & Wimbledon
When: July
Where: London
Wimbledon is famous worldwide for its prestigious grass-court Grand Slam event, held in southwest London. The tournament has produced some of the greatest matches and rivalries in tennis history, from McEnroe vs. Borg to Federer vs. Nadal.
Getting tickets for Centre Court can be challenging, but soaking in the atmosphere on Murray Mound (formerly Henman Hill) is an experience in itself.
Did you know? As of 2024, Novak Djokovic has equaled Roger Federer's record with eight Wimbledon titles, and Iga Świątek is emerging as a new dominant force in women’s tennis.
Snooker & World Snooker Championship
When: April to May
Where: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
The World Snooker Championship is the pinnacle of snooker, held annually at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. It’s a must-see for any snooker fan, offering two weeks of intense and thrilling competition.
Did you know? The 2023 World Championship saw Luca Brecel become the first player from continental Europe to win the title, marking a new era in snooker.
Athletics & London Marathon
When: April
Where: London
Whether running or spectating, the London Marathon is a spectacular event. Starting in Blackheath and finishing in The Mall near St James’s Park, the course covers 42 kilometers and passes many iconic London landmarks.
The 2024 marathon promises to be another record-breaking event, with thousands of runners raising millions for charity. It’s a fantastic day out for the family, even if you’re not running.
Did you know? In 2023, over £70 million was raised for charity, setting a new global record for a single event.
Six Nations Rugby
When: February to March
Where: Various locations across the UK, Ireland, France, and Italy
Rugby is a thrilling sport, and the Six Nations Championship is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar. The tournament features England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy in a fierce battle for supremacy.
Rugby is a spectacle to watch live, with its fast-paced, hard-hitting action. The tournament also boasts a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great day out for families.
Did you know? Ireland won the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam, continuing their strong form as they head into 2024 as one of the favorites.
So, there we have it—just a small selection of the diverse sports that make up our British sporting cultural landscape.
P.S. Any hockey or golf fans, sorry I missed you out!
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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One of the most important questions to consider when searching for an NHS job as a doctor is, 'What salaries do doctors receive in the UK?
The NHS is one of the most developed health systems in the world and international doctors form an integral part of delivering high quality patient care, as such they are rewarded with competitive pay rates and benefits.
In this short article we provide an overview of doctor's pay in the UK by grade, salary estimates are based on the NHS Doctor Salary pay scale.
It is important to note that the below rates of pay are a guide based on current NHS pay scales, and it is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the pay opportunities before you start applying for posts in the UK.
It is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on your experience and demand.
For overseas doctors, posts will include competitive rates of pay, additional pay for extra hours worked, benefits and pensions.
FY1 & FY2
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1), your basic salary is £32,398 and in Year 2 (FY2), your basic salary is £37,303.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premia.
Specialty Training (ST1 – ST8)
If you are a doctor starting your specialist training, your basic salary starts at £43,923 and can progress to £63,152.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premia.
Specialty doctors
Specialty doctors currently earn from £59,175 to £95,400 basic pay.
The basic contract is for 40 hours.
Consultants
Consultants currently earn from £105,504 to £139,882 basic pay.
As a consultant you can be paid for additional duties and may be eligible for Clinical Excellence Awards, which reward outstanding performance. The basic contract is for 40 hours per week.
If you take on extra responsibilities (i.e. management or education) you can also expect to be paid additional supplements.
Pay and terms and conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website.
Why not browse our live doctor jobs and check your doctor's salary in the UK.
You can find more overviews on doctor salary and pay conditions here.
Understanding your NHS job's salary or pay is essential for overseas doctors new to the UK.
Doctors play an integral part in delivering high quality patient care in the NHS and as such, they are rewarded with competitive pay rates and benefits.
NHS pay scales can be confusing, particularly for overseas doctors. Here we hope to provide some clarity to help you understand the NHS grades and how they fit on the various NHS pay scales.
In this article we will take a look at the following topics:
Typical NHS doctor’s salary in the UK
FY1 & FY2
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
Specialty doctors
Specialist Grade
Consultants
Where do I fit on the pay scale?
Doctors in training pay scale
Specialty Doctor pay scale
Specialist Grade pay scale
Consultant pay scale
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms and conditions
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
Trust doctor jobs and IMGs' pay
It is important to note that the majority of overseas doctors will start their career in the UK in a fixed term trust doctor role (also known as a service post), before taking up a training position. Doctors across all grades can enter a service post which means to say that they are not in training or entering specialty training.
As such, most of our adverts for fixed term or permanent posts will be service level jobs, these are usually SAS doctor, consultant, SHO or Trust doctor posts at the equivalent of FY2, ST1/2, ST3+.These can be attractive due to the improved doctor’s salaries that can be negotiated for fixed term contracts, based on experience and demand.
The salary pay scales that we have included in this article are to be used as a guide or starting point for negotiating your trust doctor role (or service post).
Typical NHS doctor’s salary in the UK
FY1 & FY2
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) your basic salary is £32,398. As an FY2 this increases to £37,303.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums.
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
If you are a doctor starting your specialist training in 2019, your basic salary starts at £43,923 and can progress to £63,152.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums.
Specialty doctors
Specialty doctors currently earn from £59,175 to £95,400 basic pay.
The basic contract is for 40 hours. As a specialty doctor you can be paid for additional duties, extra hours worked, weekend work and on calls.
Specialist Grade
A key element of recent SAS contract reform is the introduction of a new grade, called the Specialist grade, which will provide an opportunity for career progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. Specialist Grade doctors can earn a basic of between £96,990 to £107,155.
Consultants
Consultants currently earn from £105,504 to £139,882 basic pay.
As a consultant you can be paid for additional duties and may be eligible for Clinical Excellence Awards, which reward outstanding performance. The basic contract is for 40 hours per week.
If you take on extra responsibilities (i.e. management or education) you can also expect to be paid additional supplements.
So where do I fit on the pay scale?
There are a few key points when considering where you fit on the pay scale:
Job title
Experience
Hours worked
Trusts can be different
Job title:
The first thing to consider is your job title.
At the Consultant level, it is straight forward, you will be a consultant. However, at the Specialty Doctor level, you could be working as an SAS doctor, a Specialty Doctor or a Trust Grade doctor. As an ST or SHO you could also work across several levels.
Each could command a different pay scale depending on the level of work and experience required.
Take some time to check the job title that you are applying and interviewing for, and subsequently the pay scale that you can expect.
Experience within your chosen field:
Next, consider the number of years of experience you have in your specialty, this is crucial to identifying your position on the pay scale.
This is important as an NHS Trust will calculate your pay for a Specialty Doctor in Medicine by deducting two of your years of experience to compensate for the Core Training years in the UK. Please note, for some specialties this does not apply, check with an IMG Consultant for more information.
Hours you will work:
The second thing to consider is how many hours you will be working. For both Specialty Doctors and Consultants, the hours are usually established using PAs (programmed activities). Each PA is worth 4 hrs of your week, and a standard week is 40 hrs. A standard salary is based on a full working week of 10 PAs (40 hours). If you work above 10 PAs, then you will gain additional salary on top of your basic pay.
NHS trusts can be different:
The last thing to consider before we look at the pay scales, is that some NHS Trusts can interpret the pay scales and a doctor’s experience in different ways. All NHS Trusts should be following the same pay scale structures when recruiting and offering salaries to doctors, but this is not always the case!
This blog is a guideline, and if you are not sure of how to approach this discussion with an HR department, it can be very useful for an IMG Connect consultant to assist with the negotiations to ensure that your experience is always taken into account.
Pay scales:
Doctors in training pay scale
Service level jobs are in high demand at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay. It is also important to remember that once in the UK, you will have the option to apply for training, depending on your entry level.
The below pay scale reflects the pay at each level depending on the entry points to training, which are FY1, ST1/CT1 and ST3/4.
The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)
Grade
Stage of training
Grade Code
Nodal Point
Value (£)
Foundation Doctor Year 1
FY1
MF01
1
32,398
Foundation Doctor Year 2
FY2
MF01
2
37,303
Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)
CT1
MC51
3
43,923
CT2
MC52
55,329
CT3
MC53
4
55,329
Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)
ST1 / SpR1
MS01
3
43,923
ST2 / SpR2
MS02
ST3 / SpR3
MS03
4
5
55,329
63,152
ST4 / SpR4
MS04
ST5 / SpR5
MS05
ST6 / SpR6
MS06
ST7 / SpR7
MS07
ST8 / SpR8
MS08
Full details of total salaries for doctors in full-time training is available to download in the pay circular below including:
banding supplements
total salaries for trainees working less than 40 hours a week
less than full-time trainees pay arrangements.
The BMA has also produced pay tables which estimate pay for full-time doctors in training, based on your own working patterns, which you can find here.
Specialty Doctor pay scale:
Service level specialty doctor jobs are in high demand in England at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay.
It is important to note that your pay will reflect your experience within your chosen field.
The pay code on the left-hand side of the table below correlates to the number of years’ experience that you qualify for in your chosen specialty, and the number of years that the HR department are going to attribute to you.
Remember to discount any years that you have worked in an internship. And if you are working in a medicine specialty, deduct any core training years.
In the first threshold, for every year of experience you gain, this entitles you to a pay rise. In the second threshold, you will receive an increase every two years, and in the third, every three years.
The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Pay Scale Code
Years' Experience
Basic Salary (£)
Period before eligibility for next pay point
MC75-01
0
59,175
3 years
MC75-02
1
59,175
2 years
MC75-03
2
59,175
1 year
MC75-04
3
68,174
2 years
MC75-05
4
68,174
1 year
MC75-06
5
68,174
1 year
MC75-07
6
75,998
3 years
MC75-08
7
75,998
2 years
MC75-09
8
75,998
1 year
Threshold
MC75-10
9
84,121
3 years
MC75-11
10
84,121
2 years
MC75-12
11
84,121
1 year
MC75-13
12
95,400
5 years
MC75-14
13
95,400
4 years
MC75-15
14
95,400
3 years
MC75-16
15
95,400
2 years
MC75-17
16
95,400
1 year
MC75-18
17
95,400
-
Specialist Grade:
The introduction of a new Specialist grade will provide an opportunity for progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. The introduction of the role will help to recruit, motivate and retain senior doctors and contribute to SAS grades being a positive and fulfilling career choice. The new pay structure will enable SAS doctors to access the top of the pay scale more quickly than the current system, increasing the career average earnings.
Pay Scale Code
Years' Experience
Basic Salary (£)
Period before eligibility for next pay point
MC70–01
0
96,990
3 years
MC70-02
1
96,990
2 years
MC70-03
2
96,990
1 year
MC70-04
3
100,784
3 years
MC70-05
MC70-06
4
5
100,784
100,784
2 years
1 year
MC70-07
6
107,155
-
Consultant pay scale:
Service level consultant doctor jobs are in high demand in England at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay.
At the consultant grade, HR departments will look at your years of experience within your specialty, as a consultant.
On the table below, you can see that all you need to do is count up the total number of complete years of experience (12 months each) as a consultant, and then count down the rows to establish your salary position.
Like the above, the salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
Remember, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Years completed as a consultant:
Threshold
Years complete as a consultant
Basic Salary (£)
Period of eligibility for next threshold
Pay scale code
1
0
105,504
1 year
YC72 Point 00
2
1
105,504
1 year
YC72 Point 01
3
2
105,504
1 year
YC72 Point 02
4
3
111,714
1 year
YC72 Point 03
5
4
114,894
5 years
YC72 Point 04
5
114,894
4 years
YC72 Point 05
6
114,894
3 years
YC72 Point 06
7
114,894
2 years
YC72 Point 07
8
126,018
1 year
YC72 Point 08
6
9
126,018
5 years
YC72 Point 09
10
126,018
4 years
YC72 Point 10
11
126,018
3 years
YC72 Point 11
12
126,018
2 years
YC72 Point 12
13
126,018
1 year
YC72 Point 13
7
14
139,882
5 years
YC72 Point 14
15
139,882
4 years
YC72 Point 15
16
139,882
3 years
YC72 Point 16
17
139,882
2 years
YC72 Point 17
18
139,882
1 year
YC72 Point 18
8
19
139,882
-
YC72 Point 19
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms & conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website.
You may be eligible for additional pay on top of your basic salary if you work above the standard 10 PAs, work on call & weekends, or take on extra responsibilities. All doctors are eligible for NHS pensions and benefits.
Getting started
NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay scales across the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Celebrating the Junior Doctor Pay Offer: A Positive Step for International Recruitment
At IMG Connect, we are pleased to share the news of the new pay offer for junior doctors in England. This development comes after nearly two years of negotiations between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government. It marks a significant milestone in improving the appeal of the NHS for international doctors.
A Competitive Edge in Global Recruitment
If approved by BMA members, the proposed pay increase will average 22.3% over two years. This adjustment is crucial for restoring junior doctors' salaries and aligning them more closely with international standards. Historically, the pay disparity between the NHS and other countries, such as Australia, the United States, and Canada, has been a barrier to attracting top talent from abroad. The enhanced pay scales aim to make the NHS a more competitive choice for doctors worldwide.
Attracting Global Talent
The new pay agreement positions the NHS as a more attractive option for international doctors. By offering more competitive salaries, the NHS can appeal to doctors from countries with higher pay standards, thereby expanding the pool of qualified candidates interested in contributing to the UK healthcare system.
A Bright Future for the NHS
This agreement is not just a financial adjustment; it's a commitment to the healthcare professionals who are vital to the NHS. Fair compensation for junior doctors helps create a supportive environment where they can develop both professionally and personally. At IMG Connect, we believe this pay offer is a positive step toward a more sustainable and high-quality healthcare system.
As we continue to assist NHS trusts in attracting the best talent from around the world, this new pay offer strengthens our efforts and demonstrates a commitment to building a robust healthcare workforce. This agreement is a win for junior doctors, international recruits, and the future of the NHS.
IMG Jobs
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IMG Resources
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Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor's salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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