Cardiologists and heart surgeons are among the most respected and highly paid professionals in the medical field.
These experts are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart-related conditions, a role that requires years of education, training, and hands-on experience.
Given the high level of skill required, it’s no surprise that cardiologists command some of the highest salaries in the UK healthcare sector.
If you’re considering a career as a cardiologist or are curious about the financial prospects of this role, understanding the salary for cardiologists is essential.
This blog will explore the average salary for cardiologists in the UK, how it changes based on experience and location, and how it compares to other medical professions.
What is a Cardiologist and Heart Surgeon?
Many people mistakenly think that cardiologists and heart surgeons are the same, but their roles differ significantly. While both are specialists in heart health, they play distinct roles in patient care.
Cardiologist
A cardiologist is a doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents diseases of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiologists use non-surgical methods to treat conditions such as heart disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures.
Heart Surgeon (Cardiac Surgeon)
A cardiac surgeon, sometimes known as a heart surgeon, operates on the heart and blood arteries. While a cardiologist may diagnose a blocked artery, a heart surgeon will perform the procedure to correct it, such as bypass surgery or valve repair.
Key Difference: A cardiologist focuses on diagnosing and treating heart conditions, often non-surgically, while a heart surgeon performs invasive heart surgeries.
What is the Average Salary for a Cardiologist in the UK?
The average salary for a cardiologist in the UK depends on several factors, including whether they work in the NHS or private practice.
Salaries for cardiologists in the NHS are regulated by pay bands, while private practice salaries are typically higher but vary based on patient demand and expertise.
NHS Cardiologist Salary
- Junior Cardiologist: £40,000 – £50,000 per year
- Registrar (Mid-Level Cardiologist): £55,000 – £70,000 per year
- Consultant Cardiologist: £88,364 – £119,133 per year
Private Practice Cardiologist Salary
Private practice cardiologists have the potential to earn much more than NHS cardiologists. On average, a private cardiologist earns £150,000 or more annually, with experienced specialists earning even higher salaries.
Salary for Cardiologists by Experience Level
Like most professions, a cardiologist’s salary increases as they gain more experience. Here’s a look at how salaries change throughout their career.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | £40,000 – £50,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | £55,000 – £70,000 |
| Senior Cardiologist (7+ years) | £88,364 – £119,133 (NHS) |
| Highly Experienced Cardiologist (10+ years, Private Practice) | £150,000+ |
As cardiologists progress in their careers, they become eligible for promotions to senior positions, such as consultant cardiologist roles, which offer significantly higher pay.
Salary for Cardiologists by Region in the UK
The salary of a cardiologist in the UK varies depending on the region where they practice. Cities with higher costs of living or greater demand for healthcare professionals often offer higher salaries. London and other metropolitan areas tend to pay more than smaller towns or rural regions.
The following table lists the highest-paying cities for cardiology physicians near England, along with the average annual salary and the number of salary reports available for each city.
| City | Average Annual Salary | Number of Salary Reports |
| Peterborough | £116,320 | 40 reports |
| London | £116,039 | 31 reports |
| Ashton-Under-Lyne | £111,671 | 6 reports |
| Coventry | £108,784 | 5 reports |
| Bristol | £103,625 | 21 reports |
| Prescot | £102,845 | 13 reports |
| Blackburn | £102,626 | 249 reports |
| Bolton | £99,430 | 32 reports |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | £88,475 | 26 reports |
Private Practice Cardiologist Salary
While most cardiologists begin their careers in the NHS system, many later transition to private practice to increase their earning potential.
Working in private practice offers several key advantages, including higher pay, increased flexibility, and control over patient fees.
Unlike NHS salaries, which follow a rigid pay structure, private cardiologists have more autonomy in determining their rates and fees for consultations and procedures.
How Much Do Private Practice Cardiologists Earn?
The salary for private practice cardiologists varies widely depending on the volume of patients they see, the type of services they provide, and their location.
On average, a private practice cardiologist can earn upwards of £150,000 to £250,000 per year. Highly experienced cardiologists in high-demand areas (like London) may earn even more.
| Factor | Impact on Earnings |
| Consultation Fees | Cardiologists can charge £200 to £500 per session. |
| Specialized Services | Interventional cardiology procedures generate higher fees. |
| Location | Urban areas like London provide higher patient demand. |
| Volume of Patients | More patients mean more income potential. |
How Private Practice Differs from NHS Employment?
- Flexible Hours: Private cardiologists set their schedules and can work with multiple hospitals or clinics.
- Higher Pay: Private practice salaries often surpass NHS consultant pay, especially for experienced cardiologists.
- Work-Life Balance: Some private cardiologists opt to reduce working hours while maintaining high incomes.
- No Pay Bands: Unlike NHS roles, private cardiologists have no pay caps, so their income is uncapped.
Is Private Practice Worth It?
While the potential for higher earnings is clear, working in private practice comes with more responsibility. Cardiologists must manage their own business, secure patient referrals, and ensure steady patient flow.
Some cardiologists opt to work part-time for the NHS and part-time in private practice to balance financial gain with job security.
Factors That Affect a Cardiologist’s Salary
The salary of a cardiologist depends on several key factors, each of which can significantly influence total earnings. Here are the most critical factors that impact cardiologist pay in the UK.
Level of Experience
- Junior Cardiologists (those still in training) earn around £40,000 – £50,000 annually.
- Consultant Cardiologists with 7+ years of experience earn £88,364 – £119,133 annually in the NHS.
- Private Cardiologists with 10+ years of experience can earn over £150,000 per year.
Experience plays a key role in earnings since senior roles come with greater responsibilities, like overseeing junior doctors, leading medical departments, and performing advanced cardiac procedures.
Type of Employer
- NHS: Salaries follow the NHS pay band system, with less flexibility for bonuses or promotions.
- Private Practice: Cardiologists earn significantly more in private practice, with potential earnings of £150,000+.
- Locum Roles: Cardiologists working as temporary locum doctors can charge hourly rates ranging from £70 to £120 per hour, which often exceeds standard NHS pay.
Specialization
Some cardiology subspecialties pay more than others. For example:
- Interventional Cardiologists: Specialize in catheter-based procedures like angioplasty, which command higher fees.
- Electrophysiologists: Treat heart rhythm disorders and are often in high demand.
- Cardiovascular Imaging Specialists: Focus on using advanced imaging to detect heart issues early.
Location
- London: Due to rising healthcare costs and the cost of living, cardiologists in London often make more money.
- Other Regions: Cardiologists in Scotland, Wales, and rural areas often earn slightly less.
On-Call Responsibilities: NHS cardiologists earn on-call pay when they are available outside of normal working hours. This “availability supplement” increases their overall earnings.
Private vs. NHS Practice: Private practice cardiologists have uncapped earnings, while NHS salaries are limited by pay bands. Many cardiologists opt to work part-time for the NHS and part-time in private clinics to maximize their overall income.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Cardiologist?
Are you wondering how to boost your income as a cardiologist? Here are some proven strategies to increase your salary as a cardiologist in the UK.
Specialize in High-Paying Subspecialties
- Interventional Cardiology: Focus on catheter-based treatments and earn higher fees.
- Cardiac Electrophysiology: Focus on addressing conditions affecting the heart’s rhythm.
- Pediatric Cardiology: Work with children’s heart issues, a field with higher pay potential.
Take On-Call Shifts
On-call cardiologists are paid extra for being available for emergencies. This is especially common in NHS hospitals, where emergency calls can happen overnight or on weekends.
- Shift to Private Practice: Working in private practice offers uncapped earnings. You can charge patients directly for consultations, exams, and procedures.
- Pursue Locum Roles: Locum cardiologists work on a temporary basis for different hospitals or clinics, often earning £70 – £120 per hour, which can exceed NHS salaries.
- Earn a Consultant Role: By becoming a consultant cardiologist, you can move into a senior leadership position in the NHS, which comes with a salary of up to £119,133 annually.
Cardiologist Salary Comparison with Other Medical Professions
How does a cardiologist’s salary stack up against other medical professionals in the UK? Here’s how their pay compares:
| Medical Role | Average Salary (Annual) |
| Cardiologist | £88,000 – £150,000 |
| General Practitioner (GP) | £65,000 – £85,000 |
| Anesthesiologist | £80,000 – £120,000 |
| Surgeon | £85,000 – £130,000 |
| Nurse Consultant | £45,000 – £60,000 |
Why Do Cardiologists Earn More?
- Cardiologists undergo extensive training (up to 10 years) before reaching senior roles.
- Their expertise is in high demand, especially for heart disease, one of the leading causes of death.
- Cardiologists require specialized skills for treatments like catheterization, stenting, and pacemaker implantation.
Cardiologist Salary in Other Countries (Global Comparison)
How do cardiologists’ salaries in the UK compare to other countries? Below is a global comparison of cardiologist salaries.
| Country | Average Salary (Annual) |
| UK | £88,000 – £150,000 |
| USA | £200,000 – £400,000 |
| Canada | £150,000 – £250,000 |
| Australia | £150,000 – £250,000 |
Why Do US Cardiologists Earn So Much?
- Private Healthcare System: US doctors operate in a largely private healthcare system, where fees are significantly higher.
- Medical Debt: US doctors often have large medical school debts, so higher salaries help offset this.
How Do Salaries in the UK Compare?
- Work-Life Balance: UK cardiologists benefit from a better work-life balance than their US counterparts.
- Free Medical Education: Unlike US doctors, UK medical students don’t face enormous student loans.
Conclusion
Becoming a cardiologist in the UK is a financially rewarding career. While NHS salaries are capped by pay bands, private practice offers the potential for much higher earnings.
Specializing in fields like interventional cardiology or taking on consultant roles can further increase salaries. Cardiologists in the UK earn less than their US counterparts but benefit from a better work-life balance and reduced educational costs.
If you’re considering a career in cardiology, know that your hard work will be rewarded, both financially and emotionally, as you play a key role in saving lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the starting salary for a cardiologist in the UK?
In the UK, a cardiologist’s beginning salary ranges from £40,000 to £50,000 annually for junior physicians in training positions.
Do private cardiologists earn more than NHS cardiologists?
Yes, private cardiologists often earn significantly more than NHS cardiologists, with many earning over £150,000 annually.
Which city in the UK offers the highest salary for cardiologists?
Peterborough and London offer the highest salaries for cardiologists, with an average of around £116,000 per year.
How does the salary of a cardiologist compare to a general practitioner (GP) in the UK?
Cardiologists earn significantly more than general practitioners, with cardiologists earning up to £150,000 and GPs earning around £65,000 to £85,000 annually.
How do UK cardiologist salaries compare to those in other countries?
UK cardiologists earn less than those in the US (£200K-£400K) but more than some European countries. Salaries in Canada and Australia are also higher, averaging around £150K-£250K.
