The UK is one of the top career destinations for you as a doctor, providing attractive salary packages and better work options.
The UK provides many specialisations in medicine, including Cardiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trauma and Orthopaedics, and General Medicine.
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The demand for doctors in the UK is growing constantly. The doctor’s salary in the UK depends on various factors such as your level of experience, educational qualifications, work sector, and work hours.
In recent years, there has been a lot of focus on making more rooms in medical schools to keep up with the growing need for doctors. In 2023, a new pay deal was made public that included raises for doctor salaries in the UK.
Keep reading to learn more about the average doctor salary in UK, and how compensation varies according to different factors such as cities, states, years of work experience, and more.
Doctor in UK: Job Responsibilities
In order to become a doctor in the UK, you have to officially register with The General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom. Once you become a doctor, you are entitled to various responsibilities. The following are your basic responsibilities as a doctor registered in the GMC.
- Taking Care of the patient and improving their life expectancy.
- Protecting and promoting the health of the patients and the public.
- Respecting the right to the confidentiality of a patient.
- Recognising the limits of your competence and working at your best within it.
- Take prompt action if the safety, comfort, or dignity is being compromised.
Doctor Salary in UK: A Comprehensive Analysis
On average, doctors in the UK make a good living. The average salary of a doctor in the UK varies according to your various features, such as your experience level, specialisation, location, and work hours.
New data from the British Medical Association (BMA) shows that a fully trained GP in the UK makes about ~₹68,12,500 annually on average. This includes additional cash compensation such as transport, housing, and other benefits.
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Doctor Salary in UK for Doctors in Training
As a doctor in training, you can earn a basic salary by working up to 40 hours per week.
Doctors in training include doctors in F1 and F2 and doctors in specialist training. The average salary for both of these categories varies, as shown below.
- FY1 and FY2 – A junior trainee or junior doctor in a hospital of Foundation Year 1 (F1) gets an average annual salary of ~₹29,28,154, which can increase to ~₹33,89,312 in the second year (F2).
- Specialty Registrar or Specialty Doctor (StR) (Core Training) – A specialty registrar or a doctor in specialty training can earn a basic salary of ~₹40,11,575 every year.
In addition to this, you will also be paid for the additional working hours or overtime. An additional 37% is provided on basic pay for night duty. If you are working on a weekend, a weekend allowance will also be given to you.
Doctor Salary in UK for Consultants
Doctor salaries in the UK for Consultants can range from ~₹30,49,314 to ~₹81,31,504 per year.
You will also be compensated for additional duties and could also be eligible for clinical excellence awards.
In addition to your work, consultants can also do private practice.
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Doctor Salary in UK as Per the Speciality
The Doctor’s salary in the UK varies depending on your specialisation in medicine. The top paid specialisations for a doctor are given below in the UK.
| Specialisation | Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Neurosurgeon | ₹95,98,630 |
| Anaesthetist | ₹95,46,690 |
| Plastic surgeon | ₹93,33,543 |
| Psychiatrist | ₹89,20,259 |
| Cardiologist | ₹80,72,652 |
Apart from base pay, or minimum salary, doctors in the UK are also paid additional cash compensation. These are received as other benefits such as housing, transport, and medical insurance.
Doctor Salary in UK By Experience Level
The number of years of experience is an important factor in determining a person’s salary. Naturally, the more years of work or job experience you have, the higher your wage will be. Once your experience level rises, you will be more eligible for higher-level roles in an organisation. Your salary hikes due to various reasons:
- It is because doctors who just got their licenses are beginning their careers and may still be learning and improving their skills.
- The rate at which pay goes up can vary based on the doctor’s field of specialisation, the company they work for, how well they do their job, and how much their skills proficiency.
- Doctors who have contributed significantly to medical research, academic papers, or leadership roles may also make more money because of their other accomplishments.
Given below is the difference in annual salary for UK Doctors according to their work experience.
| Work Experience | Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 0-1 Years | ₹25,00,000 – ₹36,00,000 |
| 21-2 Years | ₹29,00,000 – ₹39,00,000 |
| 2-5 Years | ₹35,50,000 – ₹45,50,000 |
| 5-10 Years | ₹41,50,000 – ₹54,00,000 |
Your annual salary will further increase as your work experience increases. The average doctor salary in the UK for a physician with over 20 years of experience ranges from ₹67,50,000 to ₹90,00,000
Doctor Salary in UK: Top-Paying Companies
The doctor’s salary in the UK depends upon the hospital, company, or organisation you work with. Given below are a few of the top-paid institutions in the UK and their annual salary.
- Cygnet – ~₹84,92,644
- Maximus – ~₹78,91,827
- Minerva Nursing – ~₹76,24,504
- Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust – ~₹73,26,688
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board – ~₹72,72,715
How Does Location Affect Doctor Salary in UK?
Doctor salary in the UK varies across cities and states. It’s crucial to offer medical workers competitive pay packages if you want to get and keep them. Knowing about these pay differences can help doctors and people who want to become doctors choose the right job path.
Doctor salary in the UK is different among different states for various reasons.
- First, the desire for doctors’ services can significantly affect their pay. If there aren’t many medical facilities in an area with many people, there may be a higher demand for healthcare workers, leading to higher salaries to draw and keep them.
- The economy of a state or area can also affect how much doctors get paid. Because they can put more money into healthcare, places with a strong economy and a high GDP tend to spend more on their doctors.
- Changes in funding, budget limits, and policy decisions made at the national level can all affect how much money is available to pay doctor salaries in the UK, among different areas.
Doctor Salary in UK: Highest Paying Cities
Your doctor’s salary in the UK depends upon factors like your specialisation, work experience, and even work location. In addition to that, the city you opt for your doctorate career has an important role in determining your salary. Given below are some of the cities with the highest salaries for doctors in the United Kingdom and their annual salaries.
| City | Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Glasgow | ₹7,24,40,214 |
| Coventry | ₹71,43,322 |
| Prescot | ₹68,07,390 |
| Blackburn | ₹66,07,965 |
| Bristol | ₹64,82,231 |
Doctor Salary in UK: State-wise
The average salary of a doctor in the United Kingdom also varies according to the state in which you work. Check out the table below to know the top-paying states for doctors in the UK.
| State | Average Annual Salary in INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Scotland | ₹75,32,110 |
| Northern Ireland | ₹72,01,259 |
| Wales | ₹71,19,741 |
| England | ₹61,69,778 |
Doctor Salary in UK vs India
Doctor pay in these two countries is so different because their healthcare systems are different. Given below are a few reasons for this huge difference.
- The NHS is the UK’s health service. It gives its citizens free or low-cost health care. Taxes are paid for by the NHS, and the government sets doctors’ salaries in the UK. This standard way of doing things ensures that doctors in the UK make more money.
- India, on the other hand, has a mixed system of health care, with both state and private sectors. Most doctors in India work in the private sector, where most of their income comes from the market and competition.
- Because there are so many people in India who need health care, doctors there often have to work long hours and in difficult situations.
- Generally, the UK’s cost of living is higher than in India. Housing, schooling, and health care are more expensive in the UK. Doctor salary in UK keeps changing in the UK to consider these higher costs.
- Even though the cost of living may be cheaper in India, the overall economy and the health care system may mean doctors have lower pay.
| Level/Experience | Doctor Salary In UK (INR/per annum) | Doctor Salary In India (INR/per annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Doctor | ₹25,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
| Consultant | ₹40,00,000 – ₹70,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 |
| Specialist | ₹35,00,000 – ₹65,00,000 | ₹8,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 |
| General Practitioner | ₹35,00,000 – ₹60,00,000 | ₹8,00,000 – ₹13,00,000 |
| Surgeon | ₹35,00,000 – ₹75,00,000 | ₹8,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 |
| Senior Doctor | ₹40,00,000 – ₹80,00,000 | ₹10,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 |
Pay Banding
The given salaries in the article are the base salaries that can vary depending on the number of extra hours the doctors work or the additional responsibilities they take up. Pay Banding is a way of calculating the pay for overtime. If a doctor has worked more than their designated 40 hours per week, they are eligible to receive a pay supplement or additional pay on their pay scale in addition to basic income.
Other Common Benefits for Doctors in the UK
Being a doctor in the UK provides you with an attractive salary package and a better work environment. But that isn’t all. In addition to these, as a UK doctor, you get access to the following benefits:
- Paid annual leaves and bank holidays
- Paid study leave
- Study budget
- Part-time training
- Health insurance
- Pension scheme
- Dental and optical insurance
How to Become a Doctor in the UK?
Having a degree in medicine is the first step to becoming a doctor in the UK. However, there are other essential requirements as well. You will have to follow the career pathway for a doctor in the UK as given below.
- First, you need a degree in medicine from a well-known university. It usually takes five to six years of study, including theory and hands-on clinical training.
- Doctors must go through a two-year foundation training program after they graduate. During this time, they get hands-on experience while supervised by more experienced pros.
- After that, they have to pick a speciality and start training in that field, which can take three to seven years, based on the area. During their schooling, doctors must also pass tests and assessments to prove what they know and can do.
- Becoming a doctor in the UK takes time, work, and determination. But the field gives a lot of job satisfaction and chances to grow as a professional.
Becoming a doctor in the UK takes time, work, and determination. But the field gives a lot of job satisfaction and chances to grow as a professional.
Final Thoughts
Indian medical professionals may find the benefits offered to doctors in the UK to be an enticing career option. Doctor salary in the UK is also an alluring option due to financial security, the chances for personal and professional development, and the exposure to different cultures.
The average doctor’s salary in the UK is about 57 per cent higher than that of other jobs in the health and medical sector; therefore, a doctor’s career is more promising in the UK. In addition to fixed-job hours, doctors can also take up extra shifts and hours, mostly known as locum shifts or duties, to earn more supplement income on top of the basic pay.
Ultimately, Indian doctors who are dedicated, passionate, open-minded, and have a good command of the English language will have the best chance of capitalising on the opportunities that the UK presents for their professional development as medical professionals.
Seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and embrace the diversity that awaits you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Are Indian doctors required to pass additional exams or certifications in the UK?
A. Indian doctors must pass the PLAB test to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to be eligible for registration with the GMC. Once registered, they can practice medicine in the UK. However, additional examinations or certifications may be required to progress further in specific pathways depending on the desired specialisation.
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Q. How does the salary structure for doctors in the UK differ from that of Indian doctors?
A. The doctor salary in UK is determined primarily by the National Health Service (NHS) Pay Scale, which has specific grades and pay bands. Indian doctors, like other international doctors, are typically employed at the same salary scale as their British counterparts. However, it’s important to note that the doctor salary in UK is also determined by years of experience and specialisation may influence pay within the grade.
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Q. Which colleges or universities are best for pursuing a medical degree in the United Kingdom?
A. Some of the top medical colleges in the UK with high worldwide QS rankings and top medical courses are the University of Oxford, The University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, The University of Manchester, and Queen’s University Belfast.
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Q. Can Indian doctors work in the UK’s private and public healthcare sectors?
A. Yes, Indian doctors have the opportunity to work in both private and public healthcare sectors in the UK. The NHS provides doctors salaries in the UK along with ample employment opportunities, while private healthcare facilities also seek qualified doctors. The choice ultimately depends on an individual’s preferences, career goals, and the availability of suitable positions.
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Q. What are the various specialisation categories offered by medical colleges in the United Kingdom?
A. Some of the specialisation that the top medical colleges in the UK offer are Anaesthesia, Clinical Oncology, Clinical Radiology, Emergency Medicine, General Practice, Intensive Care Medicine, Cardiology, Dermatology, Medical Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, and Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
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Q. How long does it take for Indian doctors to obtain registration with the GMC?
A. The registration process for Indian doctors with the GMC can vary depending on individual circumstances. It typically involves passing the PLAB test, submitting necessary documentation, and undergoing verification. The process may take several months, so planning and starting preparations is essential.
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Q. Are there any language requirements for Indian doctors who wish to work in the UK?
A. There are language requirements for Indian doctors wishing to work in the UK. The General Medical Council assesses English language skills as part of the registration process, ensuring doctors have the necessary communication abilities to work effectively. It’s crucial to meet the required language standards, including taking English language tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
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Q. How can Indian doctors find job opportunities in the UK?
A. Indian doctors can explore various avenues to find job opportunities in the UK. Websites specialised in medical jobs, recruitment agencies, NHS job portals, and professional networks are all valuable resources. It’s also advisable to stay updated on changes in immigration policies and regulations regarding employment for international doctors.
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Q. Are Indian medical qualifications recognised in the UK?
A. The General Medical Council does recognise Indian medical qualifications to grant registration to practice medicine in the UK. However, it’s essential to provide the necessary documentation and meet the required standards, including passing the PLAB test, to obtain GMC registration.
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Q. Can Indian doctors apply for permanent residency or citizenship in the UK?
A. The possibility of applying for permanent residency or citizenship in the UK for Indian doctors depends on individual circumstances and immigration policies. Meeting specific criteria, such as working for a certain period and acquiring appropriate visas, can be prerequisites for exploring these options. Consulting with immigration advisors or lawyers experienced in the medical sector is advisable for accurate guidance.
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Q. Can I study medicine for free in the UK?
A. Yes, you can study medicine for free in the UK. However, this requires you to bag a 100% scholarship. Some of the few scholarships are the Holy Grail scholarship, the Imperial College London Full Scholarship, The John Abernethy (Barts) Scholarship, etc. However, due to high demand, the competition to secure these scholarships is very high.
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Q. What cultural adaptation challenges might Indian doctors face when working in the UK?
A. Cultural adaptation challenges can arise when Indian doctors work in the UK, such as adjusting to different healthcare systems, communication styles, and patient expectations. Differences in professional practices and organisational structures may also require some adaptation. Cultural sensitivity, networking with peers, and seeking mentorship can significantly aid in navigating these challenges effectively.
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Q. Do I need to work overtime as a doctor in the UK?
A. There is no overtime work in medicine. If you are asked to work extra hours, you will be paid for them accordingly. However, the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) protects you from working more than you are contracted to. This protects all doctors in the UK from working too long or working without breaks.
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