How much do Doctors earn in the UK?

As is expected, you would be quite interested in what the average pay is for a doctor, whether that’s the starting salary of a hard-working junior doctor or the upper bands of a consultant. By understanding and having a good idea of the pay-range within our profession it gives you a good grounding for what lifestyle you may live later in life. This is also a key topic that tends to come up in interviews or throughout medical school during group discussions or individual reflection. 

It’s important that before reading the rest of this post that you understand that as doctors we don’t go into the profession for money but due to the fact we have a greater empathy towards assisting the population and the betterment of our patients care. Although you may argue that pay should match the severity and importance of a job. 

  • A new junior doctor starts on an average base salary of £28,808* per year which equates to approximately £13.81 per hour.
  • Doctors who begin their speciality training earn between £40,257 to £53,398*
  • Speciality doctors will earn an average £50, 373 to £78,759*
  • Consultants earn between £84,559 to £114,003* depending on the length of your service.
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The above amounts are before tax deductions*. All Doctors routinely spend thousands of pounds out of pocket for qualifications, exams and registration to be able to practice. This is therefore non-optional and there is little to no support from the NHS after studying your degree.

The visual aid above is perfect to demonstrate the 22.4% erosion of pay that has occurred for doctors over the past couple years. (Ollie Burton) presents a compelling argument regarding this topic so be sure to check him out 

At the end of the day NHS pay can be quite competitive and we don’t do it for the money, perhaps in the future we will have pay that matches the rate of inflation but until then we can be reassured that we haven’t gone into this profession for the money.

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    Frequently Asked Question

    →What is the average salary of a doctor in the UK?

    The average salary of a doctor in the UK is £80,000 to £150,000 per year, depending on their specialty and level of experience.

    →How much do general practitioners (GPs) earn in the UK?

    General practitioners (GPs) in the UK can earn an average salary of £70,000 to £100,000 per year, with some earning up to £200,000 depending on their level of experience and location.

    →What factors affect a doctor's salary in the UK?

    Several factors can affect a doctor’s salary in the UK, including their level of experience, specialty, location, and the type of employer they work for. Doctors who work in private practice or in high-demand specialties can earn more than those who work in the National Health Service (NHS).

    →How does a doctor's salary in the UK compare to salaries in other countries?

    The salary of a doctor in the UK is generally higher than in many other countries, but this can vary depending on the location and healthcare system. Factors such as taxes and cost of living should also be taken into consideration when comparing salaries.

    →Can doctors earn additional income in the UK?

    Yes, doctors in the UK can earn additional income through private practice, consulting, or research. They can also earn bonuses and other incentives depending on their employer.

    →Do doctors earn more in UK or US?

    Doctors in the US generally earn more than those in the UK. According to the data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the average salary of a doctor in the US is around $313,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the average salary of a doctor in the UK, which ranges from £80,000 to £150,000 per year. However, it is important to note that the cost of living in the US is generally higher than in the UK, and doctors in the UK also benefit from a comprehensive public healthcare system, which provides them with job security and other benefits that may not be available in the US.

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    AnonymousMedic Mind Tutor

    29 December 2023

    What are the salary ranges of the different specialists, for example, a cardiologist or neurosurgeon or general practitioner?