In 2025, doctors in UK will see a rise in pay as part of new government pay reforms. NHS doctors will be rewarded with an increase of 5.4% for 2025-26 and a one-off payment of £750 (INR 79,500) after a pay increase of 22% from 2023.
In 2025, the monthly salary of doctors in UK ranges from £2,700 to £12,000, which is approximately INR 3.15L to INR 14.03L.
Junior doctors earn between £2,700–£3,800/month (INR 3.15L–INR 4.44L), while consultants and specialists can make upwards of £9,000/month (INR 10.52L), especially with private practice or bonuses.
In this guide, you'll read more about:
NHS salary structure across roles and grades
GP and private sector earnings
Monthly take-home pay after tax
Salaries by experience and location
Additional benefits and global comparisons
What Is the Average Monthly Salary of Doctors in UK?
In 2025, the monthly salary of doctors in UK varies significantly depending on their role, experience, and location.
Entry-level doctors, such as Foundation Year 1 (FY1) earn around £2,700/month (INR 3.15L), while senior consultants and specialists can earn up to £12,000/month (INR 14.03L).
Here’s a breakdown showing approximate monthly salaries across doctor roles:
Doctor Role
Monthly Salary Range (GBP)
Monthly Salary Range (INR)
Foundation Year 1 (FY1)
£2,600–£2,900
INR 3.04L–INR 3.39L
Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
£3,200–£3,800
INR 3.74L–INR 4.44L
Specialty Registrar (ST1–ST3)
£4,200–£5,200
INR 4.91L–INR 6.07L
Specialty Doctor / SAS
£5,500–£6,800
INR 6.43L–INR 7.95L
Consultant
£9,000–£12,000
INR 10.52L–INR 14.03L
Note: These figures represent gross monthly earnings before tax and pension deductions.
These figures represent the basic monthly pay for doctors in the NHS Foundation Programme. They do not include overtime or night shift enhancements.
Specialty Training Doctors (ST1–ST8)
Doctors in Specialty Training progress through multiple stages, from early training (ST1–ST3) to senior registrars (ST7–ST8).
Training Level
Salary Range (GBP/month)
Salary Range (INR/month)
ST1–ST3
£4,200–£5,200
INR 4.91L–INR 6.07L
ST4–ST6
£5,400–£6,700
INR 6.32L–INR 7.82L
ST7–ST8
£6,900–£7,300
INR 8.07L–INR 8.53L
Certain shortage specialties such as psychiatry, radiology, and emergency medicine receive flexible pay premia as part of the government’s incentive to attract more doctors into these fields.
SAS (Specialty and Associate Specialist) doctors work independently within hospitals or clinics. They have several years of experience post-training and take on more responsibilities than trainees.
Highlights:
Salary Range: £5,500–£7,950 (INR 6.43L–INR 9.29L)
Additional earnings may include on-call duty payments and responsibility allowances.
SAS roles are often considered stable mid-career positions with predictable hours compared to consultant-level roles.
Consultant Doctors
Consultants hold senior leadership positions in the NHS, often managing departments and training junior doctors.
Many consultants also receive Clinical Excellence Awards (CEAs) for outstanding service.
Some supplement their NHS income through private practice, teaching, or research roles.
GP Doctor Salary in the UK Per Month
In UK, General Practitioners (GPs) form the backbone of primary healthcare and can work under three main arrangements, as salaried employees, GP partners, or locum doctors.
Each employment type follows a different earning model, influenced by experience, contract terms, patient load, and region.
Salaried GPs
Salaried GPs are employed under the NHS model contract and receive fixed monthly pay with annual uplifts as per DDRB (Doctors and Dentists Review Body) recommendations.
Monthly Salary Range (England): £6,336–£9,562 (INR 7.41L–INR 11.18L)
Salaries differ slightly across UK nations, for example:
Salaried GPs enjoy job stability, pension benefits, and predictable income. Their pay may also include additional allowances for out-of-hours shifts or rural service incentives.
GP Partners
GP partners are self-employed doctors who share ownership of a general practice. Their income comes from the practice’s profits after deducting operating expenses.
While GP partners often earn more than salaried GPs, they bear administrative and financial responsibilities, including staff costs, rent, and practice maintenance.
Locum GPs
Locum GPs are self-employed doctors who work temporary or short-term shifts to cover for absent colleagues or fill staff gaps.
They enjoy high flexibility and per-session pay but lack the job security and pension benefits of permanent roles.
Locum GPs are paid per session or per day, allowing greater control over schedules and workload.
Private Sector Doctor Salaries in UK
Doctors working in the private healthcare sector in UK often earn significantly more than their NHS counterparts.
Unlike NHS roles, private doctors can negotiate their rates, work flexible hours, and earn additional income through procedures and private clinics.
Here’s a breakdown:
Doctor Type
Monthly Salary Range (GBP)
Monthly Salary Range (INR)
General Private Practice Doctor
£8,000–£15,000
INR 9.35L–INR 17.54L
Private Sector Surgeon
£10,000–£25,000
INR 11.69L–INR 29.23L
Specialist Consultant (Private)
£9,000–£20,000
INR 10.52L–INR 23.39L
Locum Doctor (Private Clinics)
£10,000–£18,000
INR 11.69L–INR 21.04L
Note: These figures represent gross monthly earnings and may vary based on clinic type, location, and number of procedures performed.
Doctor Salary in the UK After Tax
UK doctors pay Income Tax, National Insurance (NI), and NHS Pension contributions, which reduce their gross salary by approximately 25–35%.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated monthly take-home pay across roles:
Doctor Role
Take-Home Pay Range (GBP)
Take-Home Pay Range (INR)
Foundation Year 1 (FY1)
£1,950–£2,175
INR 2.28L–INR 2.54L
Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
£2,400–£2,850
INR 2.80L–INR 3.33L
Specialty Registrar (ST1–ST3)
£3,150–£3,900
INR 3.68L–INR 4.56L
Specialty Doctor / SAS
£4,125–£5,100
INR 4.82L–INR 5.96L
Consultant
£6,750–£9,000
INR 7.88L–INR 10.52L
These figures are approximate and assume standard tax codes without additional deductions. Actual take-home pay may vary based on location, pension tier, and overtime.
Doctor Salary in UK by Experience Level
Doctor salaries in UK increase steadily with experience, role progression, and additional responsibilities. From Foundation Year doctors to Consultants, each stage brings higher pay, more autonomy, and access to performance-based bonuses.
The figures below reflect basic monthly salaries before tax and pension deductions:
Experience Level
Monthly Salary Range (GBP)
Monthly Salary Range (INR)
Entry-Level (FY1–FY2)
£2,600–£3,800
INR 3.04L–INR 4.44L
Early Career (ST1–ST3)
£4,200–£5,200
INR 4.91L–INR 6.07L
Mid-Level (ST4–ST6)
£5,400–£6,700
INR 6.32L–INR 7.82L
Senior Registrar (ST7–ST8)
£6,900–£7,300
INR 8.07L–INR 8.53L
Specialist/SAS Doctor
£5,500–£7,950
INR 6.43L–INR 9.29L
Consultant (10+ years)
£9,000–£12,000
INR 10.52L–INR 14.03L
These ranges reflect NHS base salaries. Doctors may earn more through overtime, bonuses, private practice, or clinical excellence awards as they gain seniority.
Doctor Salary in UK by Location
Doctor salaries in UK vary by region due to cost-of-living adjustments, London weighting, and local recruitment incentives.
While base NHS salaries are nationally set, doctors in London and high-cost areas often receive additional allowances.
Private sector earnings also differ based on city demand and clinic pricing.
Here’s a breakdown showing average monthly salaries across UK regions:
Region
Monthly Salary Range (GBP)
Monthly Salary Range (INR)
London
£3,500–£12,500
INR 4.09L–INR 14.61L
South East England
£3,200–£11,000
INR 3.74L–INR 12.86L
Midlands
£3,000–£10,000
INR 3.51L–INR 11.69L
North England
£2,800–£9,500
INR 3.27L–INR 11.10L
Scotland
£3,000–£10,500
INR 3.51L–INR 12.27L
Wales
£2,900–£9,800
INR 3.39L–INR 11.45L
Northern Ireland
£2,800–£9,200
INR 3.27L–INR 10.75L
These figures include NHS and private sector roles. Doctors in London typically earn more due to London weighting and higher patient volumes in private clinics.
Additional Earnings and Benefits for UK Doctors
Beyond base salaries, UK doctors, especially those in NHS roles, receive additional earnings and benefits that significantly boost their monthly income.
Here are the best ways to earn more as a UK Doctor:
On-Call Pay, Night Shifts, Weekend Allowances
Doctors working unsocial hours (evenings, nights, weekends) receive enhanced rates, 30–50% above base pay.
On-call duties may add £300–£1,000/month (INR 35K–INR 1.17L) depending on frequency and specialty.
Emergency medicine, surgery, and ICU roles often attract higher enhancements.
Clinical Excellence Awards & Bonuses
Senior NHS consultants may receive Clinical Excellence Awards (CEAs) ranging from £3,000 to £36,000/year (INR 3.5L–INR 42L).
These are performance-based and awarded for contributions to patient care, leadership, and innovation.
Some trusts offer retention bonuses for hard-to-fill specialties.
Pension Contributions and Other Perks
NHS doctors are enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme, with employer contributions up to 20.6% of salary.
Other benefits include:
Paid annual leave (5–6 weeks)
Study leave and CPD funding
Relocation support for international doctors
Maternity/paternity leave and sick pay
How UK Doctor Salaries Compare Globally?
UK doctors earn competitive salaries, especially within the NHS, but their income is generally lower than counterparts in countries like the United States and Australia.
However, UK doctors benefit from structured pay scales, pension schemes, and public healthcare job security, which may not be available in other systems.
Here’s a global comparison:
Country
Approximate Monthly Salary Range (GBP)
Approximate Monthly Salary Range (INR)
United Kingdom
£2,600–£12,000
INR 3.04L–INR 14.03L
United States
£10,000–£22,000
INR 11.69L–INR 25.72L
Australia
£8,000–£18,000
INR 9.35L–INR 21.04L
Canada
£7,000–£15,000
INR 8.18L–INR 17.54L
Germany
£5,000–£10,000
INR 5.84L–INR 11.69L
India
£1,000–£2,500
INR 1.17L–INR 2.92L
Note: These figures represent gross monthly earnings and may vary based on specialty, experience, and sector (public vs private).
Hence, while UK salaries are modest compared to the US, the NHS offers stability, regulated hours, and long-term career growth.
Conclusion
In 2025, being a doctor in UK offers a stable and structured income, with monthly salaries ranging from INR 3.04L to INR 29.23L, depending on role, experience, and sector. While NHS salaries are modest compared to countries like the US or Australia, they come with strong benefits like pensions, paid leave, and career progression.
Private sector roles offer higher earning potential, especially for specialists and surgeons, but lack the job security and structured growth of NHS positions. Overall, UK doctors enjoy a balanced mix of financial reward, professional development, and work-life stability, making it a financially viable and respected career path.
How does a doctor’s salary in UK change after completing foundation training?
After completing FY2, doctors enter specialty training (ST1–ST8), where salaries increase with each nodal point. Monthly pay rises from £4,200 to £7,300 (INR 4.91L–INR 8.53L), depending on the stage. These roles also offer additional income through on-call duties and specialty-specific bonuses.
Do UK doctors get paid during their medical training years?
Yes, doctors in UK receive salaries during their training years. Foundation and specialty trainees are paid under NHS contracts, with monthly earnings ranging from £2,600 to £7,300 (INR 3.04L–INR 8.53L). Pay increases with experience and training progression.
What is the difference between gross and net salary for UK doctors?
Gross salary is the total monthly pay before deductions. Net salary, or take-home pay, accounts for income tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions. On average, UK doctors take home 65–75% of their gross salary, depending on their pay band and tax code.
How much tax do doctors in UK typically pay each month?
UK doctors pay income tax based on progressive tax bands. For example, a doctor earning £5,000/month may pay around £1,250 in tax and deductions. Higher earners face additional pension and NI contributions, reducing take-home pay to 65–70% of gross salary.
Are UK doctors paid more in urban areas compared to rural regions?
Doctors in urban areas, especially London, receive higher pay due to London weighting and cost-of-living adjustments. Monthly salaries can be £500–£1,000 higher than rural counterparts. However, rural doctors may benefit from recruitment incentives and housing support in underserved regions.
What are the highest-paying medical specialties in UK?
Specialties like surgery, cardiology, radiology, and dermatology are among the highest-paying in UK. Private sector surgeons can earn up to £25,000/month (INR 29.23L), while NHS consultants in these fields earn £9,000–£12,000/month (INR 10.52L–INR 14.03L), excluding bonuses.
How does working overtime affect a doctor’s monthly income in UK?
Overtime significantly boosts a doctor’s income. NHS doctors receive enhanced rates for extra hours, night shifts, and weekend work, often 30–50% above base pay. Monthly earnings can increase by £500–£1,500 depending on rota intensity and specialty.
Do UK doctors earn more in private hospitals than in NHS trusts?
Yes, private sector doctors generally earn more than NHS counterparts. Monthly salaries range from £8,000 to £25,000 (INR 9.35L–INR 29.23L), depending on specialty and patient volume. However, private roles may lack pension benefits and job security.
Is there a salary difference between UK-trained and internationally trained doctors?
No formal difference exists in pay scales. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) earn the same as UK-trained doctors under NHS contracts. However, initial placements may be at lower grades until equivalency is assessed, which can temporarily affect earnings.
How much do part-time doctors earn monthly in UK?
Part-time doctors earn proportionally based on hours worked. A consultant working 50% hours may earn £4,500–£6,000/month (INR 5.26L–INR 7.01L). NHS contracts allow flexible scheduling, and part-time roles are common among GPs and specialists balancing clinical and academic work.
Do doctors in UK receive additional allowances for night shifts?
Yes, NHS doctors receive enhanced pay for unsocial hours. Night shifts, weekends, and on-call duties attract 30–50% extra pay. These allowances can add £300–£1,000/month to a doctor’s salary, especially in emergency medicine and surgical specialties.
How does the NHS pension scheme affect a doctor’s take-home salary?
The NHS pension scheme deducts around 9.8–14.5% of gross salary, depending on income level. While it reduces monthly take-home pay, it offers long-term financial security with employer contributions up to 20.6%, making it one of the most generous public pensions.
Are there salary differences between doctors in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
Yes, each UK nation has its own pay scales. For example, FY1 doctors earn £36,616 in England, £34,500 in Scotland, and £33,609 in Northern Ireland. Differences arise from contract types, cost-of-living adjustments, and government decisions on DDRB recommendations.
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