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.
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:
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
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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.
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.
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.
FAQs
As a medical student from India, what will be my salary if I clear the PLAB and start working in the UK?
You can expect an average salary of £50,000-53,000 annually at the intern level. This figure can be higher if you are specializing as a radiologist, surgeon, or any other professional with higher salaries.
After clearing PLAB and completing the GMC registration procedures, you will begin your career as a Foundation Doctor at the NHS with the two-year foundation program.
How much is the salary of a new resident doctor in the UK during his first foundation year?
In the first foundation year, the average salary of a new UK resident doctor is approximately £28,243-£32,691, as per estimates.
This is the average salary for a junior doctor, and it may go up to £38,694-£52,036 upon getting into specialty training.
How much can an IMG doctor earn in the United Kingdom?
Specialty doctors typically earn between £50,375-£90,759 as the basic pay annually. Contracts generally cover a total of 40 hours per week.
What type of doctors in the UK are most in demand?
General Practitioners (GPs) are most in demand in the UK due to primary care needs and an aging populations.
Which city in the UK pays doctors the most?
London typically pays doctors the most due to higher living costs and demand, with annual earnings of around £86,461 for general practitioners. Physicians in London earn an average of £54,105.
What is the salary of a doctor in the UK after specialization?
The base pay for a specialty physician ranges from £52,530 to £82,400 per year.
Are Indian doctors required to pass additional exams or certifications in the UK?
Indian doctors must pass the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) tests to practice medicine in the UK.
They may also be required to complete the IELTS or OET test to prove their language proficiency.
Which colleges or universities are best for pursuing a medical degree in the United Kingdom?
Top medical schools in the UK include Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
Other prestigious institutions offering medical degrees in the UK include King’s College London, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Manchester.
What are the various specialization categories offered by medical colleges in the United Kingdom?
Popularspecializations in the UK include surgery, intensive care medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Other specializations include anesthesia, clinical oncology, clinical radiology, pediatrics, and many more.
How long does it take for Indian doctors to obtain registration with the GMC?
If all the requirements are met and the necessary documents are attached, the General Medical Council (GMC) completes the initial evaluation of the application within 5 working days.
Are Indian medical qualifications recognized in the UK?
All overseas medical practitioners are required to pass the PLAB test to assess their medical competency before registering for a license with the GMC.
Can Indian doctors apply for permanent residency or citizenship in the UK?
Indian doctors can apply for permanent residency or citizenship in the UK after meeting visa eligibility criteria.
Some commonwealth citizens can apply for permanent settlement after living in the UK for 5 years. Practitioners need to prove their medical ability with the PLAB test.
What cultural adaptation challenges might Indian doctors face when working in the UK?
Cultural adaptation challenges for Indian doctors in the UK may include communication styles, work culture, and patient expectations.
Indian doctors need to adapt to various situations regarding doctor-patient interactions and treatment options to ensure better teamwork and patient care.
Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!
Keshav is a budding content strategist with a keen interest in technology and education. He excels in producing engaging content and developing effective strategies. His knack for crafting compelling content brings fresh perspectives and a genuine eagerness to make a meaningful impact in every project he undertakes.
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