UK doctor salary per month: A detailed overview

Most of the bright students from India, had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. With increasing demand and less number of medical seats as well as job opportunities in India, MBBS aspirants, have started exploring foreign countries which promises them strong medical career.

The UK has become a famous hotspot for aspiring medical students offering a complete package of quality medical education and a solid background in the medical field. Esteemed medical colleges and high pay scale are the two main reasons why students are opting for the UK as their top choice to study MBBS. The next question arises, how much is a UK doctor's salary? To answer this, we need to understand how a doctor's salary is determined and how it can change throughout their career. It also vary depending upon various factors like types of doctors (general practitioner, hospital doctors, specialty doctors). In this article, we will learn what makes the UK a suitable haven for aspiring students with medical careers and international doctors wanting to practice in the UK.

Pay scale of a doctor in the UK

The average annual salary of a doctor in the UK is between £44,000 and £77,000 which is roughly equivalent to INR 46.47 lakhs to 81.34 lakhs. With this, a UK doctor salary per month goes from INR 3.8 lakhs to INR 6.4 lakhs.

What is NHS & GMC in the UK?

NHS: Doctors in the UK are part of the National Health System (NHS) which was established in 1948. The primary function of the NHS in the UK is to provide healthcare to everyone based on their needs, not their ability to pay.

The NHS is the second largest single-payer healthcare system in the world. To be entitled to free NHS healthcare, you must be living lawfully in the UK on a properly settled basis.

GMC: The General Medical Council (GMC) is the independent body that regulates and licenses doctors in the UK. The key responsibilities of this body are maintaining the official register of medical practitioners in the UK, setting standards, quality education. All doctors who intend to practice medicine in the UK must have GMC registration. It also regulates anesthesia associates (AAs) and physician associates (PAs).

The regulatory body in India for doctors

Medical practitioners in India are part of the National Medical Commission (NMC) system, which includes a licensing and registration system for doctors. The NMC manages the National Medical Register (NMR), a government database that contains information on licensed doctors.

Grade-wise division of UK doctor's salary

The starting salary that doctors earn in the UK varies division wise.

Factors influencing doctor salaries in the UK

Salary of a doctor in the UK varies depending on their role, experience, and location. Below are the detail explanations:

1. Grade and position

   Junior doctors	Lower salaries as they are in the initial training phase.	5,00,000-8,00,000 Lakhs
   Specialty Registrar	Higher pay scale as they specialize in a particular field.	8,00,000-10,00,000 Lakhs
   Consultants and Specialist grade doctor	Earn significantly more due to their expertise and experience.	8,00,000-15,00,000 Lakhs
   General Practitioner	Salary varies, based on whether they are salaried gp or self-employed.	8,00,000-13,00,000 Lakhs

2. Experience: This is a very obvious fact that doctors with more years in the profession, advanced qualifications, or greater expertise tend to earn better salaries. Incremental pay increases are built into NHS pay scales for progression within roles.

1. Work experience	Average annual salary in INR
   0-1 years	25,00,000-35,00,00
   1-2 years	30,00,000-40,00,000
   2-5 years	37,00,000-46,00,000
   5-10 years	43,00,000-50,00,000

2. NHS vs. Private practice: NHS employers generally have more structured pay scales, whilst those in private practice may earn more due to heavy demand.

3. Specialization: Certain fields, like surgery, clinical oncology or anesthesiology, offer higher pay compared to general medicine.

   Specialisation	Average annual salary in INR
   Neurosurgeon	93,00,00-95,00,00 Lakhs
   Anaesthetist	93,00,000-95,00,000 Lakhs
   Plastic surgeon	90,00,00-93,00,000 lakhs
   Clinical oncologist	45,00,000-50,00,000 Lakhs
   Cardiologist	78,00,000-80,00,000 Lakhs

4. Location: Relate it with Indian doctors working in Mumbai, Delhi vs. Kanpur, Jhansi. Similarly, doctors in London and certain regions receive a "London weighing" allowance to offset the higher cost of living.

   State	Average annual salary in INR
   Northern Ireland	72,00,000- 75,00,000 Lakhs
   Scotland	70,00,000-72,00,000 Lakhs
   Wales	69,00,000-71,00,000 Lakhs
   England	60,00,000-62,00,000 Lakhs

Who are SAS doctors?

Here SAS stands for SAS stands for "specialist, associate specialist, and specialty". SAS doctors are a group of doctors in the UK who work on specific contracts. They include: specialty doctors, associate specialists, clinical medical officers, hospital practitioners, and clinical assistants

Job responsibilities of doctors in the UK

Doctors registered with the GMC, have to perform certain responsibilities to build trust among patients. Some of them are:

1. Clinical responsibilities: Here doctors have to engage in diagnosing and treating patients through identifying health issues, physical examinations, etc.

2. Administrative duties: Keeping accurate and confidential records of patient consultations, treatments, and progress. Make sure to stick to NHS & GMC standards and guidelines.

3. Training and supervision: Teaching medical students, junior doctors, or other healthcare staff as part of ongoing professional development.

4. Collaboration: Coordinating with other healthcare workers, including nurses, social workers, and therapists.

5. Preventative and public health responsibilities: Advising patients on lifestyle changes, vaccination, and preventive measures to improve overall health.

How to become a doctor in the UK

The UK is known for its world-class healthcare system and highly respected medical profession. If you're aspiring to become a doctor in the UK, here are the steps to follow:

1. Meet the educational requirements

   Enroll in a 5-6 year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) medical degree at a recognized UK medical college. International students may need to take language proficiency tests like IELTS.

2. Complete undergraduate

   Medical and dental colleges in the UK have designed their own medical entrance criteria. You have to clear exams like the UKCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) / BMAT (Bio Medical Admissions Test/ GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) to enroll for undergraduate medical course.

   Is NEET accepted in the UK?

   Yes, NEET is recognized in the UK for Indian students seeking admission to MBBS programs. However, some universities may consider alternative tests instead of NEET. It is important to check the specific entry requirements of each university before applying.

3. Complete a foundation training program

   After graduating with an MBBS, you enter into foundation year of 1-2 years, which is mandatory to complete. This program with core training provides practical experience in various medical specialties.

4. Obtain a medical license

   To practice medicine, you must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK.

Doctor in the UK vs. India: key differences

Salary comparison

UK: The average take home pay of a doctor in the UK ranges from ₹30 lakh per year during the foundation years to ₹1 crore+ annually for experienced consultants.

Junior doctors (interns/residents) average salary is between 3,00,000-6,00,000 lakhs.

General practice doctors (GPs) earn a basic salary between ₹61,20,000 to ₹1,02,00,000 per year.

Surgeons and specialist grade doctors can earn even more, depending on their field and experience.

India: Salaries for doctors in India vary widely based on the type of practice and location. Fresh MBBS graduates earn around ₹6–12 lakh annually, while specialists with experience can earn ₹15–40 lakh or more.

Government medical practitioners typically earn less compared to private practitioners or those working in reputed hospitals.

Education and training costs

UK: Medical education including tuition fees for international students ranges from ₹20,40,000 to ₹51,00,000 annually. However, doctors in the UK recoup their investment faster due to higher salaries.

India: Private medical colleges can be costly, with fees ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore for the entire MBBS program.

Work life balance

UK: Qualified doctors in the UK often have a better work-life balance due to regulated working hours under the National Health Service (NHS). They are entitled extra pay facilities like paid leave, maternity/paternity benefits, and professional development opportunities.

As a resident doctor, your earnings include a base salary along with additional compensation for working beyond 40 hours per week. You'll receive a 37% bonus for night shifts, a weekend allowance for weekend duties, an availability stipend for on-call responsibilities, and other potential premium pay options.

India: Indian doctors often face long working hours, particularly in government hospitals and private practices. Work-life balance may be challenging, especially for those managing large patient loads or working in underserved areas.

Benefits of being a doctor in the UK

Pursuing a career as a doctor in the UK offers several advantages, apart from a high pay scale to career development opportunities. Here’s an overview of those benefits:

1. Competitive salaries

• Foundation Years: Average annual salary ranges in the UK varies from ₹28,56,000 to ₹34,68,000.
• General Practitioner (GPs): Doctor starting base pay is between Rs 61,00,000 to 1,02,00,000 annually.
• Specialty doctor: Earn a basic salary of 1,02,00,000 annually, with additional pay from private sector practices or teaching roles.

2. Access to advanced medical technology

• Exposure to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment methods.
• Opportunities to work in well-funded hospitals and research centers for specialty training.
• Hands-on experience with innovative procedures and global medical advancements.

3. Job security

• Most doctors working in the NHS enjoy stable and secure employment.
• High demand for specialists and general practitioners, especially in underserved areas.
• The NHS uses fixed term contracts to cover staff absences such as maternal, paternal, and sabbatical leave, also to cover small projects.

4. Cultural diversity and international recognition

• Enhances communication and interpersonal skills by interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
• UK medical qualifications are internationally recognized, opening doors to opportunities worldwide.

5. Free or subsidized education for dependents

• Subsidized or free education for children under certain conditions.
• Access to world-class schooling and higher education institutions.

6. Research and innovation opportunities

• Opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research projects.
• Collaborative environments with renowned scientists and institutions.

7. Work-life balance

• Medical and dental staff are entitled to regulated working hours to prevent burnout.
• The European Working Time Directive (EWTD) applies to the NHS in the UK, which includes safeguards like weekly work limit of 48 hours, weekly and consecutive rest, record keeping and, rest breaks.
• Generous annual leave (5-6 weeks) and additional pay like maternity, paternity leave benefits as well as weekend allowance.
• Flexible working options allow doctors to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.
  

   

  What is supplementary income for doctors in the UK?

  NHS doctors in the UK can receive supplementary income in the form of:

  • Banding: A variable supplement that reflects the number of extra hours worked, the type of working pattern, and the frequency of extra duty.
  • Clinical Excellence Awards: These awards reward outstanding performance.
  • Additional pay for extra responsibilities: Doctors can receive additional supplements for taking on extra responsibilities, such as management or teaching.
  • Bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit-sharing: Doctors may receive an estimated ₹11,62,800 annually through these sources

Challenges & considerations

According to Science Direct, some of the common hurdles includes limited awareness of NHS frameworks and policies, unclear pathways for career progression, difficulties in navigating language, cultural differences, and political complexities.

Job opportunities for Indian doctors in the UK

After conquering all the challenges, you will see there are many more career opportunities in the UK. If you have been good enough to clear entrance exams for English language tests, like, IELTS, PLAB, and others, and received GMC registration, the UK in return offers you good placements, higher pay scales, and a very strong career growth.

According to The Economic Times, the majority of doctors, and nurses in the UK come from India. According to a study at the University of Oxford, India accounted for the highest number of newly recruited overseas healthcare professionals, with 20% of doctors and 46% of nurses, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines in the year 2022-23.

What is CESR?

CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration. It's a process that allows doctors who haven't completed an approved training program to be entered into the General Medical Council's (GMC) Specialist Register. 

Doctors can apply for CESR if they feel they have the same knowledge, skills, and experience as a doctor who has completed the approved curriculum.

With opportunities like CESR, the journey becomes more easy. Each year, the permanent doctors' division assists hundreds of international doctors in relocating to the UK.

Study MBBS in Europe with futureMBBS

So if you are making up your mind to study for an MBBS in Europe, take the first step toward your dream medical career with futureMBBS! Studying MBBS in Europe opens doors to world-class education, top-ranked universities, and high-paying career opportunities. At futureMBBS, we provide end-to-end support to make your journey seamless—from helping you ace entrance exams and securing admission at leading medical universities to assisting with visa applications, travel, and finding comfortable accommodation.

Europe is an excellent destination for aspiring doctors, offering unmatched academic standards and a pathway to a rewarding future. Let futureMBBS be your trusted partner in this life-changing journey. Enroll with us today and turn your aspirations into reality!

Bottom line

Becoming a doctor in the UK is a dream worth chasing! With top-quality education, high salaries, and endless career opportunities, the UK offers everything an aspiring doctor could hope for. Yes, there are challenges like understanding the NHS system and adjusting to a new culture, but the rewards—like working in world-class hospitals, gaining international recognition, and enjoying a great work-life balance—make it all worthwhile. With the right support and guidance, you can turn your dreams into reality. Let futureMBBS be your trusted partner on this exciting journey.