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Doctor Salary in UK Per Month in 2025: Best-Paid Specialties & Average Earnings

Updated on 27 February, 2025

Bulbul SharmaKeshav Garg

Bulbul, Keshav

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

Over 300,000 doctors work in UK, with most employed by the NHS (British Medical Association, 2024). Salaries depend on experience, specialty, location, and additional shifts.

Average Doctor Salary in UK Per Month in 2025

Doctors in UK earn between £2,700 – £12,500 per month (₹2.8L – ₹13L). Junior doctors start at £2,700 – £3,600 per month (₹2.8L – ₹3.8L), while consultants earn £7,700 – £12,500 per month (₹8L – ₹13L). Private consultants often exceed £200,000 (₹2Cr) annually.

Doctor Job Responsibilities in UK

Doctors in the NHS and private sector manage patient care, diagnosis, prescriptions, surgeries, and medical research. GPs see an average of 37 patients per day (NHS Workforce Report, 2024), while surgeons work 50-60 hours per week, including emergency calls.

Factors Affecting Doctor Salaries

  • Experience – Junior doctors earn £32,397 (₹34L) per year, while consultants make £150,000+ (₹1.6Cr).
  • Specialty – Neurosurgery, radiology, and cardiology are among the highest-paying fields.
  • Region – Doctors in London and high-demand areas earn 10-20% more than those in smaller cities.
  • Extra Shifts – Locum doctors earn £40 – £120 per hour (₹4,000 – ₹12,000 per hour).

With a growing demand for doctors in geriatrics, emergency medicine, and mental health, salaries are expected to rise in the coming years.

Private Sector vs NHS: Doctor Salary in UK Per Month

The doctor salary in UK per month varies depending on whether they work in the NHS or private sector. The NHS employs nearly 90% of doctors in UK (British Medical Association, 2024), following a fixed pay scale. Private doctors, on the other hand, earn based on consultation fees, procedures, and patient volume. But who earns more, and is private healthcare worth it?

Doctor Salary in UK Per Month Differences: NHS vs Private Practice

NHS doctors are paid according to fixed national salary bands, while private doctors have flexible earnings based on demand and specialization.

Doctor Type NHS Salary (Monthly) Private Practice Salary (Monthly)
Junior Doctor £2,700 – £3,660 (₹2.8L – ₹3.8L) £4,167 – £6,667 (₹4.3L – ₹5.6L)
Specialty Doctor £4,377 – £6,867 (₹4.6L – ₹7.3L) £6,667 – £12,500 (₹7L – ₹10L)
Consultant £7,806 – £10,523 (₹8.2L – ₹10.9L) £12,500 – £20,833+ (₹12.5L – ₹17.3L)
Locum Consultant £3,333 – £10,000 per month (₹33,333 – ₹1L) £8,333 – £20,833 per month (₹83,333 – ₹2.1L)

Source: NHS Pay Scale 2024, British Medical Journal.

Private specialists, particularly in cardiology, neurosurgery, and radiology, can earn significantly more than their NHS counterparts. According to the Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), private consultants in UK make 30-50% more than NHS consultants, depending on their specialty.

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High-Paying Private Hospitals and Clinics in UK

Private hospitals and clinics offer higher pay and flexible working hours, but income depends on patient referrals, procedures, and specialization. Some of the highest-paying private healthcare providers include:

  • The Harley Street Clinic (London) – Consultants earn £200,000+ per year (₹2Cr+).
  • Bupa Cromwell Hospital – Specialists in orthopedics, radiology, and oncology earn £250,000+ per year (₹2.5Cr+).
  • The London Clinic – Top cosmetic and plastic surgeons earn £300,000+ per year (₹3Cr+).

Many private doctors split their time between NHS and private practice, maximizing their income. UK Private Healthcare Market Report (2024) states that over 40% of NHS consultants work privately to supplement their earnings.

Which Specialties Earn More in Private Healthcare?

Certain medical fields are in high demand in private hospitals, allowing doctors to charge higher fees per consultation and procedure.

Specialty NHS Consultant Salary (Monthly) Private Practice Earnings (Monthly)
Cardiology £8,333 – £12,500 (₹8.3L – ₹12.5L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)
Radiology £8,333 – £11,667 (₹8.3L – ₹11.7L) £16,667+ (₹1.7L+)
Plastic Surgery £8,333 – £10,833 (₹8.3L – ₹10.9L) £25,000+ (₹2.6L+)
Orthopedics £9,167 – £12,500 (₹9.2L – ₹12.5L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)

Source: Private Healthcare Market Report, 2024.

Plastic surgeons in London’s Harley Street district often charge £5,000 – £10,000 per procedure, leading to higher annual earnings than their NHS counterparts.

NHS Doctor Pay Scale Breakdown (2025)

The NHS follows a structured pay scale, with annual increments based on experience.

NHS Band/Grade Salary (Monthly)
Junior Doctor (FY1-FY2) £2,700 – £3,660 (₹2.8L – ₹3.8L)
Specialty Doctor (ST3-ST8) £4,377 – £6,867 (₹4.6L – ₹7.3L)
Consultant £7,806 – £10,523 (₹8.2L – ₹10.9L)

Consultants can increase earnings through teaching, research roles, or locum shifts in high-demand areas.

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Private Sector Doctor Salary in UK Per Month

Private doctors have no fixed salary, as earnings depend on patient load, consultation fees, and treatments offered.

  • Private GPs charge £150 – £300 per consultation, earning around £100,000 – £180,000 per year (₹1Cr – ₹1.8Cr).
  • Private surgeons charge significantly higher fees, earning £200,000 – £500,000 per year (₹2Cr – ₹5Cr).
  • Private locum doctors can earn £100 – £250 per hour (₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per hour).

Cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, and orthopedic procedures are high-demand services in private hospitals, pushing earnings even higher.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Sector

Factor NHS Private Sector
Salary Fixed pay scales Higher earning potential
Job Security Stable Dependent on patient load
Work-Life Balance Fixed hours Flexible schedule
Patient Load High Fewer patients, more time per case
Bonuses/Perks Pension, sick leave Performance-based pay

Doctor Salary in UK Per Month by Medical Grade (2025)

Doctor salaries in UK follow a structured NHS pay scale, with earnings increasing at each stage of training. Private sector doctors can earn significantly more, but NHS jobs provide job security, pension benefits, and stable pay progression.

Breakdown of UK Medical Grades and Salary Bands

Medical Grade Years of Experience Annual Salary (NHS) Monthly Salary (NHS)
Foundation Year 1 (FY1) 0 – 1 years £32,397 (₹34L) £2,700 (₹2.8L)
Foundation Year 2 (FY2) 1 – 2 years £37,000 (₹39L) £3,080 (₹3.2L)
Core/Specialty Training (ST1 – ST3) 3 – 5 years £45,000 – £55,000 (₹47L – ₹58L) £3,750 – £4,580 (₹3.9L – ₹4.8L)
Specialist Registrar (ST4 – ST8) 6 – 9 years £55,000 – £75,000 (₹58L – ₹78L) £4,580 – £6,250 (₹4.8L – ₹6.5L)
Consultant (Entry-Level) 10+ years £93,666 (₹98L) £7,700 (₹8L)
Senior Consultant (Experienced) 15+ years £126,281 (₹1.3Cr) £10,500 (₹11L)

Source: NHS Pay Scale 2024, British Medical Association

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Junior Doctor Salary in UK Per Month (FY1, FY2, ST1-ST3)

Junior doctors in UK are in Foundation Training (FY1 & FY2) before entering specialty training.

Stage Salary (Monthly) Additional Pay (Monthly)
FY1 (Year 1) £2,700 (₹2.8L) £417 – £833 (₹42,000 – ₹83,000 for extra shifts)
FY2 (Year 2) £3,083 (₹3.2L) £417 – £1,000 (₹42,000 – ₹1L for locum work)
ST1 – ST3 (Early Specialty Training) £3,750 – £4,583 (₹3.9L – ₹4.8L) £833+ (₹83,000+ for extra hours)
  • London-based junior doctors earn 5-10% more due to higher living costs.
  • Weekend shifts and locum work increase salaries by £5,000 – £15,000 per year.

Specialist Registrar Salaries (ST4 – ST8)

Doctors in higher specialty training (ST4 – ST8) are more experienced and earn higher salaries.

Grade Salary (Monthly) Extra Earnings (Monthly)
ST4 – ST5 £4,583 – £5,417 (₹4.8L – ₹5.4L) £833 – £1,250 (₹83,000 – ₹1.25L for locum work or night shifts)
ST6 – ST8 £5,417 – £6,250 (₹5.4L – ₹6.5L) £1,000 – £1,667 (₹1L – ₹1.7L for extra shifts)
  • Acute care, emergency medicine, and anesthetics offer higher locum rates, with some ST-level doctors earning £100 per hour (₹10,000 per hour).
  • Training doctors working in shortage areas receive bonuses of up to £20,000 (₹20L).

Consultant Salaries in UK

Consultants are senior doctors managing patients and training junior doctors.

Consultant Level Salary (Monthly) Private Earnings (Monthly)
Entry-Level Consultant £7,806 (₹8.2L) £10,000 – £16,667 (₹1L – ₹1.7L)
Senior Consultant £10,523 (₹10.9L) £16,667 – £25,000 (₹1.7L – ₹2.5L)
Private Consultant Varies £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)

Consultants can increase salaries through teaching, research, or private work.

  • Private consultants, particularly in plastic surgery, orthopedics, and cardiology, earn significantly more.

Curious about the cost of living in UK? Read our UK living expense guide

Pay Progression Through the Medical Hierarchy

Career Stage Salary Growth Over Time (Monthly)
Junior Doctor (FY1 – FY2) £2,700 – £3,083 (₹2.8L – ₹3.2L)
Early Specialty Training (ST1 – ST3) £3,750 – £4,583 (₹3.9L – ₹4.8L)
Advanced Training (ST4 – ST8) £4,583 – £6,250 (₹4.8L – ₹6.5L)
Entry-Level Consultant £7,806 (₹8.2L)
Senior Consultant £10,523+ (₹10.9L+)
Private Consultant Potential £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)

Key Trends:

  • Doctors can double their salaries within 8-10 years, with consultants earning 3x more than junior doctors.
  • Shortage specialties like psychiatry, emergency medicine, and radiology offer higher locum rates.
  • Doctors working in private hospitals significantly increase earnings beyond NHS salaries.

Doctor Salary in UK Per Month by Location: Which UK Cities Pay the Most?

Doctor salaries in UK vary by city due to regional pay adjustments, cost of living, and workforce demand

The British Medical Association (BMA) Junior Doctor Workforce Survey 2024 found that 53% of junior doctors prefer working outside of London because of lower living costs, shorter commutes, and better work-life balance. In contrast, cities in Scotland and Wales offer financial incentives to fill doctor shortages, with relocation packages worth up to £20,000 (₹20L).

Doctor Salary in UK Per Month: By City in 2025

City Junior Doctor (FY1-FY2) Specialty Doctor (ST1-ST8) Consultant
London £2,833 – £3,667 (₹2.9L – ₹3.8L) £4,167 – £7,083 (₹4.3L – ₹7.4L) £8,333 – £12,500 (₹83,000 – ₹1.3L)
Manchester £2,667 – £3,500 (₹2.8L – ₹3.7L) £4,000 – £6,667 (₹4.2L – ₹5.6L) £7,917 – £11,667 (₹83,000 – ₹1.2L)
Birmingham £2,667 – £3,417 (₹2.8L – ₹3.5L) £3,917 – £6,500 (₹4.1L – ₹5.5L) £7,667 – £11,250 (₹80,000 – ₹1.1L)
Glasgow (Scotland) £2,500 – £3,333 (₹2.6L – ₹3.5L) £3,750 – £6,250 (₹4L – ₹5.2L) £7,500 – £10,833 (₹78,000 – ₹1.1L)
Cardiff (Wales) £2,500 – £3,250 (₹2.6L – ₹3.3L) £3,667 – £5,833 (₹3.9L – ₹4.9L) £7,083 – £10,417 (₹74,000 – ₹1.04L)

Source: NHS Pay Scale 2025, British Medical Journal

London pays more, but with higher expenses, doctors in Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow often have better savings potential.

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Doctor Salaries in London: High Pay, High Costs

London doctors earn 5-10% more due to the London Weighting Allowance, but living costs take up a large portion of earnings.

Expense London Manchester Birmingham
Rent (1BHK City Centre) £2,000/month (₹2L) £1,200/month (₹1.2L) £1,000/month (₹1L)
Groceries £400/month (₹40K) £300/month (₹30K) £280/month (₹28K)
Transport (Pass) £160/month (₹16K) £90/month (₹9K) £80/month (₹8K)

junior doctor in London earns around £2,800 – £3,600 per month (₹2.9L – ₹3.8L), but rent alone can take up 50% of earnings. Consultants earning £120,000 – £160,000 (₹1.2Cr – ₹1.6Cr) often supplement income with private practice.

Doctor Salaries in Manchester & Birmingham: Best Savings Potential

Doctors in Manchester and Birmingham earn only slightly less than in London but save significantly on expenses.

City Best For Average Consultant Salary (Monthly)
Manchester Affordable housing, strong NHS hospitals £7,917 – £11,667 (₹83,000 – ₹1.2L)
Birmingham Growing healthcare sector, major medical schools £7,667 – £11,250 (₹80,000 – ₹1.1L)

Doctors in Manchester and Birmingham save more, as rent is 40-50% lower than in London.

Doctor Salaries in Scotland & Wales: Extra Incentives for Shortage Areas

Doctors in Scotland and Wales earn slightly lower base salaries but benefit from relocation packages, shortage bonuses, and lower living costs.

Region Consultant Salary (Monthly) Additional Incentives
Scotland £7,500 – £10,833 (₹78,000 – ₹1.1L) £833 – £1,250 (₹83,000 – ₹1.25L for relocation)
Wales £7,083 – £10,417 (₹74,000 – ₹1.04L) NHS incentives, housing support

Doctors in rural Wales and Scotland receive financial incentives up to £20,000 (₹20L) to work in underserved areas.

Best UK Cities for Doctor Salaries vs Living Costs

Best for... City
Highest Salary London
Best Savings Potential Manchester, Birmingham
Lowest Cost of Living Wales, Scotland
Most Work Opportunities London, Manchester

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Best-Paid Medical Specialties in UK

The doctor salary in UK per month vary significantly by specialization, with surgery, cardiology, and radiology ranking among the highest-paid fields. 

According to the British Medical Association (BMA) Salary Report 2024, consultants in specialist fields earn 20-50% more than general practitioners and hospitalists. Private sector specialists can double their NHS earnings, particularly in plastic surgery, cardiology, and orthopedics.

Royal College of Physicians Workforce Report 2024 revealed that radiology, neurosurgery, and emergency medicine specialists have seen the fastest salary growth, with earnings rising 10-15% per year due to increasing demand and workforce shortages.

Highest-Paying Medical Specialties in UK (2025 Salaries)

Specialty NHS Consultant Salary (Monthly) Private Practice Earnings (Monthly)
Neurosurgery £8,750 – £13,333 (₹91,000 – ₹1.3L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)
Cardiology £8,333 – £12,500 (₹83,000 – ₹1.3L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)
Radiology £8,333 – £11,667 (₹83,000 – ₹1.2L) £16,667+ (₹1.7L+)
Plastic Surgery £8,333 – £10,833 (₹83,000 – ₹1.1L) £25,000+ (₹2.6L+)
Orthopedic Surgery £9,167 – £12,500 (₹91,000 – ₹1.3L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)
Anesthesiology £7,917 – £11,250 (₹82,000 – ₹1.2L) £15,000+ (₹1.5L+)

Source: NHS Pay Scale 2025, British Medical Journal.

Which Specialties See the Fastest Salary Growth?

The BMA Salary Trends Report (2024) found that radiology, emergency medicine, and neurosurgery saw the highest salary increases, with earnings growing 10-15% per year.

Fastest-Growing Specialties Annual Salary Growth (%)
Radiology 12%
Emergency Medicine 10%
Neurosurgery 15%
Anesthesiology 9%
Psychiatry 8%

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Surgery Salaries (By Specialty)

Surgeons earn among the highest doctor salary in UK per month. Neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and plastic surgeons have the biggest earning potential, especially in private practice.

Specialty NHS Consultant Salary (Monthly) Private Sector Earnings (Monthly)
Neurosurgery £8,750 – £13,333 (₹91,000 – ₹1.3L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)
Orthopedic Surgery £9,167 – £12,500 (₹91,000 – ₹1.3L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)
Plastic Surgery £8,333 – £10,833 (₹83,000 – ₹1.1L) £25,000+ (₹2.6L+)
General Surgery £7,917 – £10,833 (₹82,000 – ₹1.1L) £16,667+ (₹1.7L+)

Neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons working in private hospitals earn £300,000+ (₹3Cr+) annually, with some charging £5,000+ per procedure.

Cardiology Salaries in UK

Cardiology is one of the highest-paying medical fields, with interventional cardiologists making the most.

Cardiology Role NHS Consultant Salary (Monthly) Private Sector Earnings (Monthly)
General Cardiologist £8,333 – £11,667 (₹83,000 – ₹1.2L) £16,667+ (₹1.7L+)
Interventional Cardiologist £9,167 – £12,500 (₹91,000 – ₹1.3L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)

Interventional cardiologists perform complex procedures like angioplasties and catheterizations, leading to higher private practice earnings.

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Radiology Salaries: Strong Demand & High Pay

Radiologists are among the fastest-growing and highest-paid specialists in UK. A 2024 NHS Workforce Report found that demand for radiologists has increased by 30% over the last five years due to advancements in AI imaging and diagnostics.

Radiology Role NHS Consultant Salary (Monthly) Private Sector Earnings (Monthly)
General Radiologist £8,333 – £11,667 (₹83,000 – ₹1.2L) £16,667+ (₹1.7L+)
Interventional Radiologist £9,167 – £12,500 (₹91,000 – ₹1.3L) £20,833+ (₹2.1L+)

Interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures, allowing them to charge higher private fees.

Other High-Earning Medical Specialties in UK

While surgery, cardiology, and radiology dominate the highest pay scales, other specialties also offer strong earning potential.

Specialty NHS Consultant Salary (Monthly) Private Sector Earnings (Monthly)
Anesthesiology £7,917 – £11,250 (₹82,000 – ₹1.2L) £15,000+ (₹1.5L+)
Psychiatry £7,500 – £10,417 (₹78,000 – ₹1.04L) £12,500+ (₹1.3L+)
Gastroenterology £7,917 – £10,833 (₹82,000 – ₹1.1L) £16,667+ (₹1.7L+)

Anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists working in private hospitals often earn £180,000 – £250,000 (₹1.8Cr – ₹2.5Cr) per year, with private gastroenterologists charging up to £1,500 per procedure.

NHS Doctor Salary in UK Per Month: Pay Scale Breakdown

Doctor salaries in the NHS are set by The Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB) and NHS Pay Circular. Wages increase as doctors gain experience, complete specialty training, and take on senior roles

The BMA Pay Review 2024 reported that NHS doctors received an average salary increase of 6% in 2024, with additional allowances for on-call duties, night shifts, and doctors working in high-vacancy specialties.

NHS Doctor Salary Structure (2025 NHS Pay Bands)

Medical Grade Years of Experience Monthly Salary (NHS)
Foundation Year 1 (FY1) 0 – 1 years £2,700 (₹2.8L)
Foundation Year 2 (FY2) 1 – 2 years £3,080 (₹3.2L)
Core/Specialty Training (ST1 – ST3) 3 – 5 years £3,750 – £4,580 (₹3.9L – ₹4.8L)
Specialist Registrar (ST4 – ST8) 6 – 9 years £4,580 – £6,250 (₹4.8L – ₹6.5L)
Consultant (Entry-Level) 10+ years £7,700 (₹8L)
Senior Consultant (15+ years) 15+ years £10,500 (₹11L)

Source: NHS Pay Circular 2025, British Medical Association (BMA) Salary Review 2024

Junior Doctor Salary in UK Per Month (FY1 – FY2)

Junior doctors are in foundation training, where they rotate through different specialties. A GMC Training Pathways Report 2024 found that 30% of junior doctors take on extra shifts to increase their income.

Stage Monthly Salary Extra Earnings (Overtime, Locum Shifts)
FY1 (Year 1) £2,700 (₹2.8L) £5,000 – £10,000 (₹5L – ₹10L) through overtime
FY2 (Year 2) £3,083 (₹3.2L) £5,000 – £12,000 (₹5L – ₹12L) via locum shifts
  • Weekend and night shifts add £3,000 – £7,000 per year.
  • The NHS Pay Circular 2024 states that London-based junior doctors earn 5-10% more due to a cost-of-living adjustment.

Specialist & Registrar Salaries (ST1 – ST8)

Doctors in specialist training (ST1 – ST8) focus on their chosen field and progress toward consultancy roles. According to The NHS Vacancy Statistics Report 2024, doctors in emergency medicine, anesthetics, and psychiatry receive the highest locum pay due to staff shortages.

Grade Salary (Monthly) Extra Earnings (Locum, Overtime)
ST1 – ST3 £3,750 – £4,583 (₹3.9L – ₹4.8L) £10,000+ (₹10L+) via night shifts
ST4 – ST8 £4,583 – £6,250 (₹4.8L – ₹6.5L) £12,000 – £20,000 (₹12L – ₹20L) from extra shifts
  • Surgical trainees and emergency medicine doctors earn up to £100 per hour (₹10,000 per hour) for locum shifts.
  • Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) workforce study (2024) found that emergency medicine trainees earn 30% more than other registrars through overtime shifts.

Consultant Salaries: NHS vs Private Sector

Consultants are the highest-paid NHS doctors, leading clinical teams and mentoring junior doctors. The NHS Pay Review Body 2024 confirmed that consultants in high-demand fields, such as radiology and neurology, earn at the upper end of the pay scale.

Consultant Level Monthly NHS Salary Private Sector Earnings
Entry-Level Consultant £7,806 (₹8.2L) £120,000 – £200,000+ (₹1.2Cr – ₹2Cr)
Senior Consultant £10,523 (₹10.9L) £200,000 – £300,000 (₹2Cr – ₹3Cr)
  • The GMC Workforce Report (2024) found that London-based consultants earn 10-15% more due to demand and living costs.
  • Many consultants, especially in surgery, radiology, and cardiology, take on private patients, increasing their earnings.

General Practitioner (GP) Salaries in the NHS

GP earnings depend on whether they are NHS-employed or run private practices. A BMA GP Pay Report (2024) found that independent GPs earn 40% more than salaried NHS GPs.

GP Type Monthly NHS Salary Private GP Earnings
Newly Qualified GP £5,833 – £7,083 (₹6L – ₹7.3L) £8,333+ (₹83,000+)
Experienced GP £7,500 – £10,000 (₹7.8L – ₹10L) £12,500+ (₹1.3L+)
  • GPs who own their clinics earn significantly more than NHS-employed GPs.
  • The NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan (2024) noted that private GPs can charge £150 – £300 per consultation, increasing annual earnings.

How to Become a Doctor in UK?

Becoming a doctor in UK requires medical education, training, and GMC registration. The General Medical Council (GMC) regulates all medical professionals, which ensures they meet the necessary standards.

Medical Training Pathway in UK

Stage Duration Key Requirements
A-Levels or Equivalent 2 Years Biology & Chemistry (A or A*), High School Completion
Medical School (MBBS) 5-6 Years GMC-approved university, UKMLA Exam
Foundation Training (FY1 & FY2) 2 Years Rotations in different NHS specialties
Specialty Training (CT/ST1-ST8) 3-8 Years Based on chosen field (GP: 3 years, Surgery: 6-8 years)
Consultant or GP Registration N/A Complete training & register with GMC
  • UKMLA (UK Medical Licensing Assessment) is mandatory for all medical graduates.
  • General Practitioners (GPs) train for 3 years, while consultants take longer.
  • International students must clear IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for admission.

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How Can Doctors in UK Increase Their Earnings?

The NHS Consultant Career Progression Report (2024) found that doctors who take on extra roles earn 30-50% more than NHS salaries alone.

Ways for Doctors to Earn More in UK

Method Earnings Potential Who Benefits the Most?
Private Practice £150,000 – £300,000+ (₹1.5Cr – ₹3Cr) Consultants in surgery, cardiology, radiology
Locum Work (Extra NHS Shifts) £50 – £120 per hour (₹5,000 – ₹12,000) Emergency medicine, anesthetists, radiologists
Medical Teaching £80,000 – £100,000 per year (₹80L – ₹1Cr) Senior doctors, professors
Legal Consulting (Medico-Legal Work) £200 – £500 per hour (₹20,000 – ₹50,000) Consultants, forensic medicine specialists
Pharmaceutical & Research Roles £90,000 – £200,000 per year (₹90L – ₹2Cr) Clinical researchers, biotech specialists

Best Subspecialties & Certifications for Higher Pay

Specialty Earnings Potential Key Certifications
Interventional Cardiology £250,000+ (₹2.5Cr+) MRCP, Cardiology Fellowship
Neurosurgery £300,000+ (₹3Cr+) FRCS (Neurosurgery)
Plastic Surgery £350,000+ (₹3.5Cr+) FRCS (Plastic Surgery)
Radiology £200,000+ (₹2Cr+) FRCR (Radiology)
General Practice (GPs) £120,000+ (₹1.2Cr+) MRCGP
  • Locum shifts offer flexible work with high hourly rates.
  • Private consultants earn significantly more than NHS salaries.
  • Teaching and research roles provide additional stable income.

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upGrad Abroad – Helping Doctors Prepare for UK Jobs

Getting a medical job in UK requires the right qualifications, licensing, and job applications. upGrad Abroad helps doctors navigate the PLAB exam, GMC registration, and NHS job requirements. With expert guidance on medical training, visa processes, and job applications, doctors can smoothly transition into UK healthcare system.

upGrad Abroad also offers PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL preparation to meet language requirements. upGrad Abroad provides the right resources to help you secure a job in UK.

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FAQs on Doctor Salary in UK Per Month

How much do junior doctors earn in UK?

Junior doctors in UK earn between £32,397 – £43,923 (₹34L – ₹46L) per year under the NHS contract. Those working unsocial hours or taking on extra shifts can earn more, with London-based doctors receiving additional allowances.

Which medical specialty pays the highest salary in UK?

Consultant cardiologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists are among the highest-paid specialists, earning between £120,000 – £200,000+ (₹1.2Cr – ₹2Cr+) annually. Private specialists in these fields can earn significantly more through private practice.

Are NHS consultants paid more than private doctors?

NHS consultants earn £93,666 – £126,281 (₹98L – ₹1.3Cr) per year, but private doctors can exceed £200,000+ (₹2Cr+) annually, depending on their patient base, reputation, and private hospital partnerships.

How much do locum doctors make per hour in UK?

Locum doctors earn between £40 – £120 per hour (₹4,000 – ₹12,000 per hour), depending on their specialty, location, and demand. Emergency medicine and anesthetics locums often earn the highest hourly rates.

What is the starting salary for GPs in UK?

Newly qualified GPs in the NHS start at £70,000 – £85,000 (₹73L – ₹88L) per year, with potential increases based on patient numbers and additional responsibilities like running a practice.

Does UK pay doctors more than the USA or Canada?

Doctors in the USA earn the highest, with specialists making £200,000 – £400,000 (₹2Cr – ₹4Cr) per year. In Canada, specialists earn £150,000 – £250,000 (₹1.5Cr – ₹2.5Cr). UK offers lower salaries but shorter training times, job stability, and strong pension benefits.

How does doctor pay change with experience?

A junior doctor starts at £32,000 (₹34L), progressing to £45,000 – £75,000 (₹47L – ₹78L) as a middle-grade doctor. NHS consultants earn £93,000 – £150,000 (₹98L – ₹1.6Cr), while private consultants can exceed £200,000 (₹2Cr)+ annually.

Are there salary differences between NHS trusts?

Yes, some NHS trusts in London, Birmingham, and Manchester offer higher salaries, bonuses, and recruitment incentives due to staff shortages or cost-of-living adjustments.

Do surgeons earn more than general practitioners?

Yes. Consultant surgeons earn £100,000 – £150,000 (₹1Cr – ₹1.6Cr) per year in the NHS, while general practitioners typically earn £70,000 – £120,000 (₹73L – ₹1.2Cr). Private surgeons often earn much more.

How can foreign doctors increase their salary in UK?

Foreign doctors can increase their earnings by working in shortage specializations, obtaining higher qualifications (MRCP, FRCS), taking locum shifts, or joining private hospitals.

Is it better to work in UK or Australia as a doctor?

Australia offers higher salaries, with specialists earning £200,000 – £400,000 (₹2Cr – ₹4Cr) per year, but requires longer licensing processes. UK offers structured training, better research opportunities, and easier access to European medical networks.

What is the best way to negotiate a higher salary as a doctor?

Doctors can negotiate higher pay by working in shortage specialties, taking on teaching or managerial roles, applying for London-based jobs, or shifting to private practice, where salaries can be double those in the NHS.

How much tax do doctors pay on their earnings in UK?

Doctors earning over £100,000 (₹1Cr) pay 40% – 45% in income tax, plus National Insurance. Some doctors use private practice income structuring to reduce taxable earnings.

Are doctors in London paid more than in other cities?

Yes, doctors in London receive "London weighting" salary adjustments, but higher living costs often offset the increase.

What are the highest-paying private hospitals in UK?

The Harley Street Clinic, The London Clinic, and Bupa Cromwell Hospital pay some of the highest salaries for private doctors, with specialists earning £200,000 – £500,000+ (₹2Cr – ₹5Cr) annually.

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

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!

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