Latest update: The UK government has proposed a 5.4% pay hike for NHS doctors in 2025–26, including a £750 bonus, following the 22% raise agreed for 2023–25.
In 2025, doctor salary in UK spans £32,398 to £145,478 annually (INR 34 lakh–INR 1.6 crore) depending on role, experience, and sector. NHS junior doctors (FY1–FY2) earn between £32,398–£42,008 per year (INR 34–44 lakh). Senior specialty doctors take home £59,175–£100,870 (INR 62 lakh–INR 1.07 crore). Consultants earn base salaries ranging from £105,504 to £145,478 (INR 1.11–1.60 crore).
Monthly take-home pay for UK doctors varies from £2,700 to over £12,000 (INR 2.9 lakh–INR 13 lakh), influenced by overtime, private practice, and location (London weighting). London doctors often earn significantly more, thanks to high-cost-area supplements.
This guide breaks down pay by career stage, specialty, region, and compares NHS vs private earnings, plus a snapshot of UK vs Indian doctor salaries.
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Average Doctor Salary in the UK
In 2025, the average doctor salary in UK ranges between £65,000 and £100,000 per year, which is approximately INR 69 lakh to INR 1.07 crore. This is based on full-time roles across the UK, primarily within the National Health Service (NHS).
Doctors typically earn:
£2,700 to £8,300 per month before tax (around INR 2.9 – 8.8 lakh), depending on their level and whether they take on extra shifts.
The majority work under fixed NHS pay bands, but some also practice privately, which can boost earnings significantly.
This average includes junior doctors, mid-level specialty doctors, and consultants. Factors like location (London vs rural areas), overtime, night shifts, and years of experience play a huge role in the final take-home pay.
To get a clear picture of how doctor salaries work in the UK. Let’s discuss this further.
NHS doctor salaries in the UK are structured into specific pay bands, which vary based on training level, years of experience, and responsibilities. This structure ensures transparency and consistency across all public healthcare jobs in the country.
Here’s a closer look at what different NHS doctor roles earn annually:
Role
Annual Salary (GBP)
Approx. Annual Salary (INR)
Foundation Year 1 (FY1)
£32,398
~INR 34 lakh
Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
£37,303
~INR 39 lakh
Specialty Registrar (StR)
£43,923 – £63,152
~INR 46 – 67 lakh
Specialty Doctor
£52,530 – £82,400
~INR 55 – 88 lakh
Consultant
£105,504 – £145,478
~INR 1.1 – 1.6 crore
Sources: NHS Employers, NHS Health Careers
Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.
Key Details:
Foundation doctors are fresh out of medical school. FY1s earn around £2,700/month, and FY2s earn close to £3,100/month, before tax.
Specialty Registrars are doctors undergoing advanced training in a chosen field. Their pay scales increase as they gain more experience.
Specialty Doctors usually have several years of experience and may work independently without being consultants.
Consultants are senior experts responsible for leading teams, performing surgeries, and making critical decisions. They earn the highest fixed salaries in the NHS.
Specialist doctors in the UK typically fall into two categories: senior consultants in the NHS and private practice specialists. Their pay varies widely depending on experience, specialty, and sector of employment.
Specialisation
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Approx. Annual Salary (INR)
Cardiologist
£90,000 – £180,000
~INR 95 lakh – 1.9 crore
Neurologist
£85,000 – £160,000
~INR 90 lakh – 1.7 crore
Orthopaedic Surgeon
£100,000 – £210,000
~INR 1 crore – 2.2 crore
Anaesthetist
£90,000 – £150,000
~INR 95 lakh – 1.6 crore
Psychiatrist
£80,000 – £130,000
~INR 85 lakh – 1.4 crore
Paediatrician
£75,000 – £120,000
~INR 80 lakh – 1.3 crore
General Surgeon
£85,000 – £160,000
~INR 90 lakh – 1.7 crore
Sources: BMA UK, NHS Health Careers
Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.
Influences a Specialist’s Salary?
Sector: Private practice pays significantly more than NHS roles, often by 20–50%.
Location: Specialists in London and high-demand regions receive higher pay.
Experience: Senior consultants with 10+ years of experience can command top-end salaries or take on private patients.
Reputation and Niche Expertise: Well-known specialists often earn through private referrals and consulting.
Doctor salaries in the UK can vary quite a bit depending on where you work. London and the South East tend to offer higher pay to offset the cost of living, while roles in rural or underserved regions may come with added incentives like relocation bonuses or housing support.
Location
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Approx. INR Equivalent
London (with HCAS)
£70,000 – £140,000
~INR 74 lakh – 1.5 crore
Birmingham
£65,000 – £130,000
~INR 69 lakh – 1.4 crore
Manchester
£63,000 – £125,000
~INR 66 lakh – 1.3 crore
Edinburgh
£60,000 – £120,000
~INR 64 lakh – 1.28 crore
Belfast
£58,000 – £110,000
~INR 62 lakh – 1.17 crore
Cardiff
£57,000 – £105,000
~INR 61 lakh – 1.1 crore
Rural/Coastal Areas
£50,000 – £100,000
~INR 53 lakh – 1 crore
Sources: NHS Employers, BMA
Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.
General Practitioners (GPs) are usually the first point of contact for patients in the UK healthcare system. Their salaries depend on whether they are salaried NHS employees or independent contractors running their practice.
Type of GP Role
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Approx. INR Equivalent
NHS Salaried GP
£65,000 – £100,000
~INR 69 lakh – 1.06 crore
GP Partner (Own Practice)
£90,000 – £150,000+
~INR 95 lakh – 1.6 crore
Locum GP (Freelance)
£70 – £100 per hour
~INR 7,400 – 10,600 per hour
Sources: NHS Employers, BMA
Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.
H3: Key Salary Influencers
Experience: Newly qualified GPs start closer to £65,000, while experienced ones can exceed £100,000.
Practice Ownership: GP partners typically earn more, but also manage staff, operations, and overheads.
Working Hours: Full-time GPs generally work 37.5 hours a week, but many take on extra hours or shifts.
Location: Urban areas like London offer higher pay or HCAS (High Cost Area Supplement), while rural areas may provide relocation bonuses.
Consultants are the most senior doctors in the UK after completing specialty training. Their pay is structured around the NHS pay scale, but many consultants also work part-time in the private sector to supplement their income.
Role Type
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Approx. INR Equivalent
NHS Consultant (Entry-level)
£93,666
~INR 99 lakh
NHS Consultant (Senior)
£126,281
~INR 1.34 crore
NHS + Private Practice
£150,000 – £250,000+
~INR 1.6 – 2.6 crore+
Sources: NHS Employers, BMA
Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.
Key Factors Affecting Consultant Salaries
Seniority: NHS consultant salaries follow a structured pay scale with 19 pay points. With every year of service, pay increases.
Private Work: Many consultants earn significantly more by consulting privately a few days a week or during off-hours.
Specialty: High-demand fields like cardiology, surgery, and oncology attract higher pay.
Geographic Pay Uplifts: London-based consultants receive the High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS), which can add up to £7,000/year.
Private Doctor Salary in the UK
Doctors working in the private healthcare sector in the UK generally earn more than their NHS counterparts. However, salaries vary based on specialty, experience, patient load, and location.
Type of Private Doctor Role
Average Annual Salary (GBP)
Approx. INR Equivalent
General Practitioner (Private)
£90,000 – £150,000
~INR 95 lakh – 1.6 crore
Specialist Doctor (Private)
£120,000 – £250,000+
~INR 1.28 – 2.6 crore+
Consultant with Private Practice
£150,000 – £300,000+
~INR 1.6 – 3.2 crore+
Source: BUPA UK
Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.
What Affects Private Sector Earnings?
Specialty & Reputation: Highly specialised doctors, such as plastic surgeons or cardiologists, command premium fees.
Patient Load: More consultations and procedures mean higher earnings.
Clinic Ownership: Running your private clinic significantly boosts income, but also involves operational costs.
Location: London-based private doctors generally earn more due to higher demand and consultation rates.
Doctor Salary in the UK vs India
Doctor salaries in the UK are significantly higher than in India, both in the public (NHS) and private sectors. This gap widens further at senior levels, like consultants or private specialists. While the cost of living in the UK is also higher, the structured pay scale, added benefits, and opportunities for private practice make it financially rewarding for Indian doctors planning to work abroad.
Doctor Role
Average Salary in the UK (INR)
Average Salary in India (INR)
Junior Doctor
INR 33 – INR 45 lakh/year
INR 6 – INR 12 lakh/year
General Practitioner (GP)
INR 69 lakh – INR 1.06 crore/year
INR 8 – INR 20 lakh/year
Specialist Doctor
INR 1.28 – INR 2.6 crore/year
INR 15 – INR 30 lakh/year
Consultant (NHS)
INR 99 lakh – INR 1.34 crore/year
INR 18 – INR 35 lakh/year
Private Consultant
INR 1.6 – INR 3.2 crore/year
INR 30 lakh – INR 1.2 crore+/year
Note: The amounts mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.
For most doctors, moving to the UK isn’t just a career change; it’s a financial leap. The doctor's salary in the UK starts at around £32,000 a year ( INR 33 lakh) for junior roles and can go up to £250,000+ ( INR 2.6 crore) annually for top private consultants. That’s a huge step up from what doctors typically earn in India.
Add in structured pay bands, pensions, annual increments, and better work conditions, and the overall package becomes hard to ignore. The licensing and relocation process does take effort, but the long-term rewards, both in money and quality of life, are worth it.
If you are still unsure, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
Can Indian MBBS doctors work in the UK?
Yes, Indian MBBS graduates can work in the UK, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and pass the PLAB exam or have a recognised postgraduate qualification like MRCP/MRCS. Once approved, you’re eligible to apply for NHS or private hospital roles.
Is 50K a good salary in the UK for a doctor?
Earning £50,000 per year is decent for a doctor, especially in NHS Band ST3–ST5 roles. It allows for a comfortable lifestyle in most UK cities, though London’s cost of living can eat into your budget. With experience, doctors typically earn far more, especially consultants and private GPs.
Which country pays doctors the most?
The United States leads globally, with average salaries for specialists crossing $300,000 ( INR 2.5 crore+). Countries like Switzerland, Australia, and Norway also pay exceptionally well. The UK offers competitive pay combined with strong job security, but not the highest salaries worldwide.
What is a GP's salary in the UK?
General Practitioners (GPs) in the UK usually earn between £65,000 and £100,000 annually, depending on their role. Salaried GPs in NHS clinics earn on the lower end, while GP partners or private GPs can earn more, sometimes well over £120,000 ( INR 1.2 crore) with bonuses.
Do UK doctors get bonuses or overtime pay?
Yes, NHS doctors are eligible for extra pay through on-call duties, night/weekend shifts, and unsocial hours allowances. Many also pick up locum shifts, which offer higher hourly rates. These extras can significantly boost the base salary, especially for junior doctors.
How long does it take for a foreign doctor to start working in the UK?
It usually takes 6–12 months from starting the process to landing a job, depending on how quickly you pass the PLAB, finish GMC registration, and secure a visa. Doctors with postgraduate UK-recognised qualifications might fast-track this process and avoid PLAB altogether.
Is there a salary difference between male and female doctors in the UK?
There is a documented gender pay gap in the UK medical field, although efforts are being made to close it. On average, female doctors may earn less, often due to part-time work, career breaks, or specialty choices, not direct salary discrimination.
Do UK doctors pay high taxes?
Doctors in the UK pay taxes like everyone else, Income Tax and National Insurance. As their salary increases, so does the tax rate (up to 45% for higher earners). However, NHS doctors also get generous pensions, sick leave, and other benefits that offset the tax burden.
Can doctors negotiate their salaries in the UK?
In the NHS, pay scales are fixed by role and experience, so negotiation is limited. That said, things like location-based pay, on-call duties, and extra shifts can be used to increase earnings. In the private sector, doctors have more control over rates and fees.
Do UK doctors earn more than engineers or IT professionals?
Entry-level salaries for software engineers or IT roles may match or even surpass junior doctor pay. But over time, doctors, especially consultants and private specialists, often out-earn tech professionals due to stable increments, private practice, and NHS pensions.
What’s the demand like for doctors in the UK?
Extremely high. The NHS regularly faces staff shortages, especially in GPs, emergency medicine, anaesthetics, and psychiatry. This demand creates opportunities for both local and international doctors, with incentives like visa sponsorships, relocation support, and fast-track hiring.
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