18 December 2024
So how much does an average doctor make in the UK a year?
Well, doctors in the UK earn different amounts depending on their role, experience, and location.
Most doctors work for the National Health Service (NHS), the UK’s public healthcare system.
Some doctors also work privately, which can affect how much they earn.
In 2024, the average salary for a doctor in the UK is around £60,573 a year (₹66,60,379). On top of this, doctors can earn extra income, such as £11,400 per year (₹12,53,501) in bonuses, tips, or other forms of payment.
Now, let’s look at the salary range for doctors depending on their role and experience.
(Note: The salary figures provided here are based on our research. We recommend checking other sources for the most up-to-date information.)
Doctor Salary by Grade and Experience
Doctors’ salaries in the UK depend on their “grade” or level of experience. Doctors start in junior roles and can move up to higher-paying positions as they gain experience. Here’s a look at the salaries for different types of doctors:
- Specialty Doctor
Salary Range: £52,530 to £82,400 per year (₹5,305,530 to ₹8,322,400)
A Specialty Doctor is a doctor who has several years of experience but hasn’t yet reached the level of a consultant. These doctors work in specific medical areas such as emergency medicine, paediatrics, or anaesthetics. The salary for a speciality doctor varies depending on their exact role and level of experience, but they generally earn between £52,530 and £82,400 per year.
Key Points:
– Specialty doctors are experienced, but they are not yet consultants.
– They usually have completed some specialist training and have a broad knowledge of their specific field.
– They work in hospitals or medical centres, assisting consultants and leading teams in their speciality areas.
This is a great role for doctors who have gained substantial experience but are not yet interested in or ready for the responsibilities of being a consultant. You can expect to earn a comfortable salary while continuing to develop your skills in your area of expertise.
- Specialist Grade Doctor
Salary Range: £83,945 to £92,275 per year (₹8,478,445 to ₹9,320,775)
The Specialist Grade Doctor is a more senior role that comes after the speciality doctor position. These doctors have completed advanced training in a specific field of medicine, such as neurology, oncology, or cardiology. They are seen as highly skilled professionals who have developed deep knowledge and expertise in their chosen area.
Key Points:
– Specialist grade doctors are highly experienced in one area of medicine.
– They can handle more responsibility than speciality doctors and often work more independently.
– They may supervise other doctors or medical staff and are often involved in making important medical decisions in their area of expertise.
These doctors are often experts in their field, and their salary reflects the extra training and experience required to reach this level.
- Consultant
Salary Range: £99,532 to £131,964 per year (₹10,052,732 to ₹13,327,364)
The Consultant is the highest rank a doctor can achieve in the NHS (National Health Service). Consultants are experts in their chosen medical specialities, and they take on significant responsibilities. This includes making complex medical decisions, leading medical teams, and mentoring younger doctors. Becoming a consultant usually involves completing many years of training and gaining substantial experience.
Consultants can earn between £99,532 and £131,964 per year, with the salary increasing based on experience, reputation, and the specific role in which the consultant works.
Key Points:
– Consultants are top-level doctors and experts in their medical field.
– They lead teams in hospitals, make important clinical decisions, and often have managerial duties.
– They have undergone many years of training and accumulated extensive experience in their speciality.
Becoming a consultant is the pinnacle of a medical career, offering high salaries and recognition for expertise. However, it also comes with great responsibility, as consultants are often tasked with making life-or-death decisions for patients.
- General Practitioner (GP)
Salary Range: £68,975 to £104,085 per year (₹6,966,475 to ₹10,512,585)
A General Practitioner (GP) is a family doctor who provides primary care to patients. GPs are often the first doctors patients see when they have health concerns, and they deal with a wide range of health issues. They can work in surgeries, clinics, or community health centres, and many GPs work independently or in small practices.
The salary for a GP ranges from £68,975 to £104,085 per year, depending on factors like experience, the area they work in, and the number of patients they see.
Key Points:
– GPs are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice.
– They have a broad understanding of health and medical conditions and provide preventive care.
– Many GPs run their practices, which can offer additional income opportunities, but they also face administrative responsibilities.
While GPs may not earn as much as consultants, they play an essential role in healthcare, and many find the work rewarding because of the direct relationships they build with patients.
(Also Read: Healthcare Courses in the UK)
Doctor Salaries in Different Areas of the UK
Salaries for doctors can also vary depending on where you work. In larger cities like London, doctors generally earn more because the cost of living is higher. Here’s a look at the average salary for doctors in different cities and regions in the UK:
As you can see, doctors in London tend to earn more compared to other cities, but the cost of living is also much higher there. On the other hand, doctors in cities like Glasgow and Brighton earn less, but living expenses are cheaper.
Doctor Salaries Per Month
Now let’s take a look at what doctors earn every month. These figures will help you understand how much doctors make every month depending on where they work:
In London, doctors make around £5,091 per month, while in places like Glasgow and Brighton, the monthly salary is closer to £3,350. But remember, living costs are higher in big cities, so it’s important to think about both salary and how much you need to spend on things like housing and food.
Doctor Salaries Based on Specialisation
The type of doctor you become also affects how much you earn. Some specialities, like cardiology or orthopaedics, require extra training but offer higher salaries. Here’s a look at how much doctors earn in different specialities:
Doctors who specialise in areas like cardiology (heart doctors) or orthopaedics (bone and joint doctors) make the most money, with salaries over £87,000 a year. Resident doctors, who are still in training, earn less, around £45,000 a year.
Conclusion: Is Becoming a Doctor in the UK Worth It?
Becoming a doctor in the UK in 2024 can lead to a good income, especially as you gain experience and specialise in a certain field.
However, it’s important to know that becoming a doctor requires many years of study and hard work. At the beginning of your career, you’ll earn less, but as you gain experience and work your way up, your salary will increase.
If you want to be a general practitioner, specialist, or consultant, there are many career options in the UK with competitive salaries. The salary is usually higher in cities like London, but remember, the cost of living there is also more expensive. In a nutshell, working as a doctor in the UK can be both financially rewarding and a personally fulfilling experience.
