Doctor Salary in the UK in 2024: Best Jobs & Average Doctor Salary

We have all had parents or relatives who would want us to become doctors. The nobility of the profession and the high-income potential, as I think back today, may have been their major motivations behind harboring this dream. 

And rightfully so, the financial gratification of doctors is beyond satisfactory, especially if you are practicing in the UK. 

Discover this comprehensive guide to understanding average salaries, career paths, and what it takes to excel in this highly respected profession. From rigorous training to lucrative earnings, explore the journey of medical professionals in the UK. 

Read on to uncover all you need to know!

Doctor’s Salary in UK 

The average doctor's salary in the UK is £60,573 per year. An estimated additional pay of £11,400 per year is included, which may comprise cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing. 

The pay grades for doctors in the UK are as follows:

Grade	Pay per Annum (National Health Service UK)
Specialty Doctor	£52,530 to £82,400
Specialist Grade Doctor	£83,945 to £92,275
Consultant	£99,532 to £131,964
General Practitioner	£68,975 to £104,085

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Trainee Doctor Pay in UK

In the UK, foundation doctors and specialty registrars, including General Practice (GP) registrars, follow a structured pay scale based on their level of training and experience. Below is the detailed salary structure for these roles:

Stage of Training	Nodal Point	Annual Salary (£) (British Medical Association)
Foundation Year 1 (FY1)	1	£32,398
Foundation Year 2 (FY2)	2	£37,303
Core Trainee 1 (CT1) – Core Trainee 2 (CT2)	3	£43,923
Core Trainee 3 (CT3)	4	£55,329
Special Trainee 1 (ST1) – Special Trainee 2 (ST2)	3	£43,923
Special Trainee 3 – Special Trainee 5 (ST5)	4	£55,329
Special Trainee 6 (ST6) – Special Trainee 8 (ST8)	5	£63,152

Salary of UK Doctors by Regions

The salary of doctors in the UK can vary significantly depending on the region in which they practice.

Region	Average Annual Salary (Glassdoor 2024)
London	£61,098
Birmingham	£44,089
Bristol	£48,045
Leeds	£43,293
Glasgow	£40,315
Brighton	£39,107
Cardiff	£48,328
Sheffield	£41,755
Leicester	£47,576
Coventry	£58,012

Doctor's Salary in UK Based on Specialization

The following codes represent various occupations according to NHS and the Royal College of Nursing:

• 2213: pharmacists
• 2212: psychologists
• 2217: medical radiographers
• 2214: ophthalmic opticians
• 2218: podiatrists
• 2221: physiotherapists
• 2219: health professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2222: occupational therapists
• 2229: therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
• 2223: speech and language therapists
• 2232: midwives
• 2231: nurses
• 3213: paramedics
• 2442: social workers
• 3219: health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
• 3218: health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
• 6143: dental nurses
• 6141: nursing auxiliaries and assistants

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a doctor in the UK is the following for diverse positions: 

Doctor Position	Salary
Cardiologist	£87,000
Orthopedics	£88,000
Physician	£71,720
Resident Physician	£45,211
Neurologist	£70,911
Oncologist	£72,000
Psychiatrist	£83,771
Dermatologist	£92,046

Doctor Salary in UK: Top-Paying Companies  

The following is the median pay for doctors across the various top-paying healthcare organizations in the UK:

Organization	Total Pay Range (£/yr) (Indeed)
Specsavers	£66,501
NHS England	£61,701
SJB Medical	£80,544
HCA Healthcare UK	£132,094
Medacs Healthcare	£104,753

Doctor Salary in UK vs India

Comparing the average doctor's salary in the UK and India involves the consideration of various factors. These include the economic status, healthcare infrastructure, cost of living, and government policies of the two countries. 

Here is a general overview:

Doctor Salary in UK

In the UK, doctors receive competitive salaries due to the country's sophisticated healthcare system and higher cost of living. Salaries vary based on factors such as experience, specialty, and location. 

• Junior Doctors (Foundation Years): The compensation ranges from £31,000 to £44,000 per annum, depending on the year of training.
• Consultants: Experienced consultants can earn between £33,000 to £56,000 annually.
• General Practitioners (GPs): GPs typically earn around £53,000-£98,000 per year, depending on their practice setup and patient load.

Doctor Salary in India

The salary for practicing doctors in India varies significantly based on factors such as location, type of healthcare facility (public or private), specialty, and experience. 

• Junior Doctors (Interns/Residents): In hospitals, junior doctors can earn around ₹3,60,000 to ₹6,00,000 per annum.
• Consultants: Experienced consultants in major cities or private hospitals usually earn ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,10,00 per annum or even higher.
• General Practitioners: GPs operating their private clinics may earn anywhere from ₹2,04,000 to ₹10,80,000 per annum.
• Specialists: Salaries for specialists vary but are usually around ₹6,00,000-₹17,00,000 per annum or higher.

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How to Be a Doctor in UK

Becoming a doctor in the UK involves a structured path of education and training, starting from undergraduate studies to specialist training. 

Here is a guide on how to go about embarking on this rewarding career:

University Route

Obtain a degree in Medicine:

• Complete a degree recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC), typically taking 5 years.
• Some courses offer an optional intercalated year for in-depth study, extending the duration to 6 years.
• A foundation year may be required before starting the medical degree if lacking prior science education.

Foundation training:

• After obtaining your medical degree, you will need to complete a foundation course of general training, which lasts 2 years.
• This stage provides broad clinical experience and forms the basis for further specialist training.

Specialist training:

• Depending on the specialty you choose, specialist training lasts 5 to 8 years.
• This period involves in-depth training in your chosen field of medicine, culminating in a qualification as a specialist or consultant.

Graduate Entry Route

If you already have a degree, you can opt for a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. This pathway is highly competitive, and entry requirements vary, so it is essential to check with the university's admissions department where you wish to study.

Entry tests

When applying for a course in medicine, you may need to take one of the following tests:

• University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
• BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
• Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

These tests assess skills necessary for the course, including critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, communication, and scientific knowledge.

Work experience

Medical schools expect applicants to have relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides resources on finding suitable placements.

Entry requirements

To enter a medical program, you usually need:

• At least 5 GCSEs with grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English, Math, and Sciences.
• 3 A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including Biology and Chemistry.

Apprenticeship Route

From September 2024, a new doctor degree apprenticeship will be available, taking around 5 years to complete. This apprenticeship is recognized by the General Medical Council and includes:

• General medical education equivalent to a university degree in medicine.
• Progression to the foundation course of general training, followed by specialist training.
• Entry requirements for the apprenticeship route will be set by employers.

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Conclusion

In 2024, the salary landscape for doctors in the UK reflects both the rigorous path to qualification and the critical role they play in healthcare. With competitive remuneration varying by experience and specialization, from junior roles to seasoned consultants, doctors are rewarded for their expertise and dedication. 

As the NHS adjusts salaries annually and opportunities in private practice grow, doctors can anticipate continued recognition and financial stability amid evolving healthcare demands and advancements.