The medical field offers some of the highest public sector salaries, but these jobs also come with demanding expectations of clinical expertise and long hours. If you’re considering a career in healthcare, it’s important to know which roles offer the highest pay and what they entail. Here are 10 of the highest paying medical jobs in the UK and their average salaries, as well as information about the primary duties of each role.
1. Medical Director
National average salary: £103,637 per year
Primary duties: Medical directors are senior doctors who take on managerial responsibilities within hospitals and health trusts. In addition to their own clinical practice, they oversee the organizational and operational functioning of the hospital and sit on the executive board of the hospital or trust. They also represent the needs of medical personnel and report on clinical issues that affect patient safety and the quality of care.
2. Neurosurgeon
National average salary: £94,434 per year
Primary duties: Neurosurgeons are specialized surgeons who are experts in the assessment, diagnosis, and surgical management of nervous system disorders. They require a high level of attention to detail to observe clinical signs of neurological disease and identify surgically operable conditions in the brain and spinal cord. This medical subspecialty requires many years of advanced training.
3. Anaesthetist
National average salary: £93,923 per year
Primary duties: Anaesthetists are physicians who are skilled in administering anaesthesia (local and general) and monitoring patients during surgery. They work in operating theatres, intensive care units or maternity units and are key personnel in the resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest and attend crash calls.
4. Plastic Surgeon
National average salary: £91,826 per year
Primary duties: Plastic surgery is a sub-speciality surgical profession that uses reconstructive techniques to restore damaged body structures and tissues. Plastic surgeons often work in trauma units, performing reconstructive surgical procedures on people who have suffered significant injuries to help them recover their aesthetic appearance and functionality. They may also work privately, undertaking cosmetic procedures.
5. Psychiatrist
National average salary: £87,760 per year
Primary duties: Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the assessment, management, and treatment of patients with mental illness. They are critical members of mental health teams and are responsible for directing patient care in hospitals and in the community. They can also utilise legal powers within the Mental Health Act to detain and forcibly treat patients.
6. Cardiologist
National average salary: £79,421 per year
Primary duties: Cardiologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel disorders. They may perform procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, and may also prescribe medications and provide lifestyle counseling to patients.
7. Radiologist
National average salary: £78,724 per year
Primary duties: Radiologists are physicians who specialize in interpreting medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They may to work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans for patients.
8. Orthopaedic Surgeon
National average salary: £78,564 per year
Primary duties: Orthopaedic surgeons are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. This includes surgical procedures such as joint replacements and spinal surgeries, as well as non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and medications.
9. Gastroenterologist
National average salary: £76,772 per year
Primary duties: Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas. They may perform procedures such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, and may also prescribe medications to manage symptoms and treat underlying conditions.
10. Rheumatologist
National average salary: £74,711 per year
Primary duties: Rheumatologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis and lupus. They may prescribe medications, physical therapy, and other treatments to manage symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.
It is important to note that while these jobs offer high salaries, they also come with demanding expectations and long hours. However, if you are considering a career in healthcare and are interested in one of these roles, it is worth researching and understanding the responsibilities and qualifications required in order to make an informed decision.
