The True Salary of a General Practitioner (GP) in England

As of my last update in August 2023, the salary of a General Practitioner (GP) in England can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, and whether they work in the National Health Service (NHS) or privately. For NHS GPs, the average salary for a full-time GP typically ranges between ￡60,000 and ￡90,000 per year. Newly qualified GPs might start on a salary closer to ￡60,000, while more experienced GPs can earn upwards of ￡90,000 or more, especially if they take on additional responsibilities such as being a partner in a practice.

Partnerships and Variable Earnings

It is important to note that GPs working in partnership models can have variable earnings based on the practice's profitability and their share of the practice's income. In some cases, GP partners can earn significantly more than salaried GPs. Additionally, GPs may also receive benefits such as pension contributions and paid leave, which can impact their overall compensation package.

Post-Lockdown GP Availability and Salaries

After the lockdown in the UK, getting a GP appointment has become extremely difficult. Research shows that many GP practices are now understaffed, with a significant reduction in full-time GPs. In 2019, at least four GPs were full-time, but this number has since decreased. An FOI request indicated that the last average salary of the GPs in a local surgery showed as over ￡81,000 per annum, but this information might be outdated as the practices are self-employed and salaries can be confidential.

Specialist Training and Salary Progression

A doctor in specialist training starts on a basic salary of ￡39,467 and progresses to ￡53,077. Salaried general practitioners (GPs) earn ￡62,268 to ￡93,965, depending on the length of service and experience. GP partners are self-employed and receive a share of the profits of the practice.

Hospital Consultant Salaries

The minimum pay for a hospital consultant working for the NHS is ￡82,000. A few earn over ￡500,000. Trainee doctors not yet consultants mostly earn less than ￡80,000, usually between ￡45,000 and ￡80,000. Locum doctors working for an employment agency may earn up to ￡120 per hour.

Private Sector Earnings

In the private sector, a few doctors on Harley Street, London, and a few surgeons make over a million pounds per annum. According to recent data, 90% of GPs earn less than ￡100,000, but those who are partners in the practice can make up to ￡500,000.

To get the most accurate and current information, it is advisable to check resources like the NHS or professional GP organizations.