Scroll Top

Which Medical Professions
Get Paid the Most?

If you’re working in healthcare—or thinking about getting started—there’s one thing many of us wonder: Which medical professions get paid the most? This guide gives you a clear breakdown of earning potential across a wide range of healthcare roles. Whether you’re just starting out, or looking to grow your career, understanding what each role pays can help you make more informed decisions.
Whether you’re an experienced healthcare professional or just starting out, it’s natural to want to know how your salary stacks up. But it’s more than just curiosity—it’s about value. Knowing what different roles earn can help you negotiate, price your services fairly, and plan your career with confidence.
Finding the Right Balance
A fulfilling healthcare career isn’t just about the paycheck—it’s about loving what you do. Whether you’re a nurse, a physiotherapist, or any other clinician, it’s important to consider how your role fits into your wider lifestyle. At Pure Medical, achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential. With the right support and flexibility, you can find a routine that works professionally and personally.
Starting Out in a Medical Career
Medical salaries vary widely depending on your role, qualifications, experience, and whether you’re working in the NHS, private sector, or self-employed. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’ve pulled together a general overview to give you a better sense of where each profession sits in terms of earnings. Remember: it’s not just about money. Job satisfaction, work/life balance, and the kind of impact you want to make all matter too.
Medical Professions: Who Earns the Most in Healthcare?

How much you can earn in your chosen healthcare field depends on several factors. Your qualifications, experience, and the role you take on all play a part. Whether you’re employed by the NHS, working for a private healthcare provider, or running your own clinic can also make a big difference in your earnings. Those who manage their own healthcare business often have the potential to earn more.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular healthcare roles and their earning potential. Use the links below to explore salaries across different specialisms.

💷 High-Paying Healthcare Careers in the UK (NHS & Private Sector)

Looking to grow your income as a healthcare professional? Whether you’re NHS-based or exploring private work, Pure Medical connects patients with highly qualified, trusted clinicians across the UK.

From traditional clinical paths to private aesthetics, here’s a breakdown of top-paying medical careers and how Pure Medical helps practitioners expand their visibility, reach new patients, and grow their practice.

👨‍⚕️ Specialist Doctors & Consultants

Average Salary: £80,000–£120,000+
Working in hospitals or private clinics, specialist consultants are among the highest-paid in UK healthcare. Pure Medical helps consultants attract new patients in areas such as cardiology, dermatology, neurology, and more.

🦷 Dentists

Average Salary: £50,000–£150,000+ (private)
Cosmetic and private dental services continue to grow. Many UK dentists are now building private patient lists and using Pure Medical to reach individuals searching for high-quality dental care.

💊 Pharmacists

Average Salary: £42,000–£75,000
Pharmacists are essential to community and clinical health. With services expanding into prescribing, consulting, and minor ailments, Pure Medical enables pharmacists to showcase services and connect with patients directly.

💃 Allied Health Professionals: High-Demand, High-Income Careers in the UK

Pure Medical proudly supports a wide range of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) across both NHS and private sectors. These clinicians are essential to modern healthcare — and many are now leveraging their skills to move into flexible, better-paid roles in private clinics, wellness centres, and self-employed practice.

Whether you’re newly qualified or already established, we help AHPs attract patients, grow their practices, and build sustainable careers.

💪 Physiotherapists

Settings: Private physio clinics, sports rehab, NHS, occupational health, virtual rehab
Typical Income: £35,000–£60,000+ (higher for private/self-employed)
Demand for physiotherapists continues to rise, especially in musculoskeletal care, sports injury treatment, and corporate wellbeing. Pure Medical helps physiotherapists promote their services to the patients who need them most.

🧠 Occupational Therapists

Settings: Hospitals, care homes, community rehab, mental health services
Typical Income: £30,000–£55,000+
OTs are vital in rehabilitation, mental health, and paediatrics. Pure Medical gives occupational therapists a platform to highlight their services and reach clients in both NHS and private settings.

🦶 Chiropodists & Podiatrists

Settings: Private foot clinics, community health, multidisciplinary centres
Typical Income: £40,000–£80,000+ (private)
With growing demand for foot health, podiatrists are building strong client bases. Pure Medical helps drive new patient traffic to clinics and practices across the UK.

🔧 Chiropractors

Settings: Private chiropractic clinics, wellness centres, multidisciplinary teams
Typical Income: £50,000–£100,000+ (self-employed)
Chiropractors are thriving in the UK’s wellness economy. Pure Medical enhances online visibility, helping chiropractors connect with new patients seeking non-invasive pain relief and spine care.

🪡 Acupuncturists

Settings: Holistic therapy centres, private clinics, integrative health settings
Typical Income: £35,000–£70,000+
From fertility support to pain management, acupuncture is on the rise. Pure Medical helps practitioners get discovered by wellness-focused clients seeking holistic treatment.


Why Allied Health Professionals Choose Pure Medical

✅ Access to a growing audience of patients actively searching for services
✅ A trusted platform that elevates your online profile
✅ Support for self-employed practitioners and independent clinics
✅ Flexibility to control how your services are presented and booked

Whether you’re looking to transition from the NHS, expand your private practice, or increase your income through direct patient engagement, Pure Medical is your platform for visibility and growth.

📈 Join hundreds of AHPs who are transforming their practices with us.


💼 Medical Aesthetics Professionals

Typical Earnings: £70,000–£150,000+ (self-employed)
From Botox to skin treatments, clinicians trained in medical aesthetics are building high-profit businesses. This is one of the fastest-growing sectors in UK healthcare. Pure Medical helps aesthetics professionals stand out and attract the right clientele.


Why Join Pure Medical?

We’re not a job platform — we’re a healthcare directory connecting patients with qualified, trusted providers. Pure Medical helps:

  • Clinicians grow their private practice through increased exposure
  • Patients find reputable, local healthcare professionals
  • Self-employed and practice-based providers build sustainable businesses

Just like tradespeople use platforms like Checkatrade to find clients, Pure Medical empowers healthcare professionals to be discovered by the patients who need them.


🧭 Ready to Grow Your Healthcare Practice?

Sign up with Pure Medical today and:

  • Increase visibility for your clinic or private practice
  • Attract new, local patients looking for your services
  • Take control of your online presence with a professional profile

📍 Nationwide reach | 💼 Flexible listing options | 💷 Patient-focused platform

Join Pure Medical today and take your healthcare business to the next level.

What the Job Market Says
Which Healthcare Roles Pay the Most? Here’s What the Job Market Says
When it comes to earnings in healthcare, salaries can vary widely depending on the level of specialisation, setting, and experience. According to recent data compiled by leading job platforms, certain clinical roles consistently rank among the highest-paid across both NHS and private sectors.
Pure Medical, a trusted platform connecting patients with qualified healthcare professionals, has reviewed market trends to highlight some of the best-paid and most sought-after clinical roles in the UK. Here are some of the top earners:
  • Consultants & Specialist Doctors – Salaries often exceed £100,000 annually, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiology, orthopaedics, and dermatology.
  • General Practitioners (GPs) – Average salaries range between £70,000 and £100,000, with private practice often offering higher earning potential.
  • Dentists – With a mix of NHS and private work, dentists can earn from £60,000 to well over £100,000 depending on their client base and services offered.
  • Pharmacists – Typically earning between £40,000 and £60,000, pharmacists working in private or clinical consultancy roles can command even more.
  • Physiotherapists – Salaries average around £37,000, with private practice and sports-related work offering significantly higher rates.
  • Occupational Therapists – Often earning between £35,000 and £45,000, with scope for additional income through freelance or private assessments.
  • Nurses – Senior roles, including advanced nurse practitioners and nurse consultants, can reach salaries of £50,000 or more.
  • Chiropodists & Podiatrists – Earning potential ranges from £30,000 to £60,000, particularly for those in private clinics.
  • Chiropractors – Typically operating in private practice, chiropractors often earn £40,000 to £70,000 depending on location and client base.
  • Dermatologists – One of the most in-demand specialisms, with consultant dermatologists earning well over £100,000, especially in private practice.
  • Acupuncturists – While income varies, experienced practitioners in private clinics can earn from £35,000 to £60,000.
Whether you’re newly qualified or an experienced clinician, Pure Medical connects you with a growing number of patients looking for trusted, verified healthcare professionals across the UK.
Grow your business with Pure Medical
Growing Your Healthcare Career or Practice with Pure Medical
Whether you’re an established clinician or just beginning your journey in healthcare, building a thriving career or practice takes time and dedication. But with Pure Medical, you don’t have to do it alone.
We connect healthcare professionals with new opportunities across both NHS and private settings—making it easier to reach more patients and grow your reputation.
At Pure Medical, we support a wide range of specialisms, including:
  • Consultants & Specialist Doctors
  • General Practitioners (GPs)
  • Dentists
  • Pharmacists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Nurses
  • Chiropodists
  • Chiropractors
  • Dermatologists
  • Acupuncturists
More Than Just Connections — Real Support for Clinicians
As part of the Pure Medical network, you gain more than just visibility. Membership benefits include:
  • Access to a dedicated support team
  • Patient lead generation across both public and private sectors
  • Exclusive discounts on professional insurance (up to 20% off)
  • Reduced rates on uniforms, medical supplies, and branded materials
  • Savings on day-to-day business costs like transport and equipment
Pure Medical is here to help you focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional care while we help grow your practice.
Making the Most of Your Medical Career

Boost Your Career

Whether you’re employed or self-employed, you can increase your income by:
  • Upskilling (e.g. aesthetics, prescribing, advanced clinical roles)
  • Going into private practice or freelancing
  • Building a strong personal brand and referral network
  • Offering specialist services that are in demand
  • Using platforms like Pure Medical to connect with patients and grow your business
Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

  • Salary depends on experience, qualifications, and sector (NHS vs private)
  • Self-employed clinicians often earn more, but manage their own costs
  • Upskilling and specialisation can boost your income potential
  • More patients = more income: keep your pipeline full
  • Job satisfaction is just as important as take-home pay
Thinking about offering private medical services or expanding into aesthetics?
Pure Medical is here to help you grow. From booking tools to visibility online, we support clinicians looking to build a rewarding healthcare business.