Consultant Pay Progression Calculator
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This calculator helps you model Consultant career & pay using an illustrative dataset and your assumptions. Use it to compare scenarios and understand the impact over time.
Assumptions
Pay data: NHS Agenda for Change. Illustrative; 2025/26 pay round. Used for NHS and NHS ambulance trusts (Agenda for Change). Always check NHS Employers or your employer for current rates.
- Figures are illustrative and may not reflect the latest pay awards or your employer’s exact rules.
- How we model progression: Many public sector pay scales use spine points—fixed salary steps within a band. Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection—e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross—tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer—treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Frequently asked questions
About this role
What is a Consultant?
A Consultant is a senior doctor who has completed specialty training (CCT or equivalent). They lead clinical care, train juniors and often hold management or research roles. Pay is on the national consultant contract (England) or equivalent.
Is it a rewarding career?
Consultant roles offer clinical leadership, autonomy and high impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on specialty, contract and additional work. Progression to clinical director, medical director or academic roles is common.
Are there progression routes?
Consultants typically progress via pay points and additional responsibilities (e.g. clinical director). Use the table above to model pay over time on the consultant contract.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not financial or career advice. Pay rules and allowances can change. Always check your employer or official sources for definitive figures.