What can I say? This article is going to be fun to write and research because, let's face it, we are all curious about how much the guy who just confirmed we have a sore throat is earning at the end of the day.
Let's start with the basics: GPs. They are the heart and soul of our communities, the ones who really do save us on the day-to-day. We, more than most of us, actually like them, but how much are they earning?
Key Takeaways
- Doctors in Ireland are among the highest-paid professionals, with salaries increasing significantly based on specialty, experience, and training.
- General Practitioners (GPs) typically earn between €76,000 and €91,000, while Consultants and Surgeons can exceed €250,000 per year.
- The highest-paid specialties include Cardiac Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, and Radiology, often reaching €280K+ annually.
- A full medical career path from university to consultancy can take 10 to 15+ years, but offers excellent job security, career opportunities, and support from the HSE.
- While public healthcare roles (HSE) offer strong pensions and stability, private sector and locum work provide greater earning potential and flexibility.
To become doctors, applicants to Irish Medical Schools must receive a minimum of 480 points in the same sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate examination and sit the HPAT.
What Do General Practitioners Do, and How Much Do They Earn?
General practitioners are doctors who work primarily within clinical environments, and they often provide services for whole families.
They provide direct patient care, such as physical exams, assessments and diagnostic tests. GPs also manage wounds, infections, and injuries. Patients may be advised regarding test results and how they can improve their health at home through plans relating to diet, exercise, and care specific to their ailments.
How Much Do GPs Earn?
- An entry-level General Practitioner with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay) of €76,841 based on five salaries.
- An early career General Practitioner with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of €76,747 based on 23 salaries.
- A mid-career General Practitioner with 5-9 years of experience earns an average compensation of €88,814 based on 16 salaries.
- An experienced General Practitioner with 10-19 years of experience earns an average compensation of €90,956 based on 23 salaries.
per year.
Depending on the area of medicine you specialise in, the money you earn and the length of time you spend in college can vary greatly!
What Do Medical Consultants Do, and How Much Do They Earn?
A consultant is a registered medical practitioner who holds a current, complete registration with the Irish Medical Council and is engaged in hospital practice and who, because of his or her training, skill and experience in a designated speciality, is consulted by other registered medical practitioners and undertakes full clinical responsibility for patients in his or her care, or that aspect of care on which he or she has been consulted, without supervision in professional matters by any other person.
There are six Irish Medical Schools altogether – three in the capital city of Dublin and in the cities of Cork, Galway and Limerick.
What is the Difference Between a Consultant and GP?
If a GP can treat the patient and they do not need extra care, they will have a one-time appointment. If the case requires a specialist or a course of care that will take a greater length of time, the GP will refer the patient to a consultant or specialist.
How Much Do Consultants Earn?
The average starting salary for a Consultant is €134,131 gross per year (€11,180 gross per month), which is 203% higher than the national average salary in Ireland. The highest salaries can exceed €200,000.
Salary for 2023 Consultants Public Only Contract:
Clinician salaries for consultants appointed to the Public Only Consultants’ Contract 2023 will be on an incremental scale: €214,113 - €257,193 per annum pro rata on a six-point scale plus on-call allowances
Annual expenses of up to €12,000 for continuous medical education will be vouched.
Up to €8,000 per annum will be available to support innovation projects.
What Do Surgeons Do, and How Much Do They Earn?
A surgeon is responsible for the patient's preoperative diagnosis, the operation, and postoperative surgical care and treatment.
Surgeons improve the quality of life for patients worldwide by performing procedures to promote healing and reduce pain. Some surgeons focus on specific parts of the human body, but others, known as general surgeons, operate on many parts.
After surgery, docs do paperwork, dictation, phone calls, post-operative rounds and so on...
The surgeon is also looked upon as the leader of the surgical team.
Why do people need surgery?
In most cases, surgery is performed to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities in patients.
Ireland is noted for its world-class medical training. Graduates from Irish Medical Schools consistently secure residencies in top-tier programs.
How Much Do Surgeons Earn
The average salary for a surgeon is €223,400 gross per year (€18,620 gross per month), 405% higher than the national average salary in Ireland.
An entry-level surgeon with less than three years of experience can expect to earn €100,000 gross per year on average. A mid-career surgeon with 4-9 years of experience earns an average compensation of €200,000, while a Senior Surgeon with 10-20 years of experience makes on average €259,000.
| Job | Salary |
| Cardiac Surgeon | €282K/year |
| Neurosurgeon | €273K/year |
| Brain Surgeon | €257K/year |
| Plastic Surgeon | €239K/year |
| Pediatric Surgeon | €192K/year |
| General Surgeon | €181K/year |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | €154K/year |
The Irish Medical Council accredits Irish Medical degrees per the guidelines set by the World Federation of Medical Education. Medical students graduate with the degree of MB BCh BAO, which is recognised throughout the European Union, the UK, North America, and Australia.
Doctors are very well paid in Ireland, with salaries varying depending on location and experience. The annual January and July rotations in the Irish medical system provide dozens of career moves and enhancement opportunities. In Ireland, you can expect HSE pay scales and ample career development, including support with further education and training.
Ireland's Highest-Paid Medical Specialties
Medical salaries in Ireland aren't all equal. After all, while General Practitioners (GPs) and Consultants earn competitive wages, specialists can take home much higher pay due to the complexity, risk, and demand of their respective fields.
Which Medical Specialties Earn the Most?
Specialist consultants and surgeons tend to be the highest-paid doctors in Ireland, but these specialities also rank among the top earners.
- Neurosurgery – One of the most demanding fields, requiring over a decade of medical training. Neurosurgeons can earn upwards of €273,000 per year.
- Cardiac Surgery – Given the complexity of heart-related procedures, cardiac surgeons can command salaries exceeding €282,000 annually.
- Orthopaedic Surgery – With high demand for joint replacements and spinal surgeries, orthopaedic surgeons earn an average salary of €154,000–€250,000 annually.
- Plastic Surgery – While many assume this is mainly cosmetic, plastic surgeons perform reconstructive procedures. They typically earn €239,000 per year.
- Radiology and Anesthesiology – These specialists often work in high-pressure environments and earn €200,000+ per year, depending on experience and hospital contracts.
- Emergency Medicine – Given the intensity of emergency hospital work, emergency medicine specialists in Ireland earn €180,000–€220,000 per year.
What Makes These Specialties So Lucrative?
At first glance, it mightn't be obvious why some specialities earn more than others. Here are the factors that typically contribute to pay:
- Extensive Training: Many specialities require 10–15 years of medical training before reaching consultant grade.
- High Demand: Ireland's healthcare system, including public (HSE) and private hospitals, struggles with a shortage of specialists, leading to competitive salary offers.
- Long Working Hours: Surgeons and specialists often work 50–80 hours per week, including on-call shifts, significantly impacting work-life balance.
- Risk and Responsibility: Specialties like neurosurgery and cardiology involve high-risk procedures, justifying higher pay scales.
Locum Specialists – A Lucrative Alternative
Many doctors, especially those who prefer flexibility, may consider becoming locum specialists. These positions offer short-term contracts with higher hourly pay.
In Ireland, locum consultants can earn €100-€200 per hour, depending on demand and location.
Dublin, Cork, and Galway tend to offer the highest locum rates.
Highest Paid Specialty: Cardiac Surgery (€282,000/year)
Fastest-Growing Demand: Emergency Medicine & Radiology
Average Consultant Salary: €134,131–€257,193/year
Best Cities for High-Paying Medical Jobs: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway
The Path to Becoming a High-Earning Doctor in Ireland
Doctors earn a high salary because they've spent years in medical training and earning their specialisation.
Whether you become a GP, consultant, or specialist, here's what you must prepare for.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Doctor in Ireland
1. Completing Medical School (5–6 Years)
To qualify as a doctor in Ireland, students must:
- Score high points in the Leaving Certificate (480+ points)
- Sit the HPAT exam, which assesses problem-solving and critical thinking
- Enrol in an Irish Medical School, such as those in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick
Graduates receive an MB BCh BAO degree recognised in the EU, UK, and beyond.
2. Internship Year (1 Year)
After graduating, doctors complete a one-year HSE internship in hospitals across Ireland. This paid internship is the first step on the HSE pay scale and provides hands-on patient care experience.
3. Postgraduate Training & Basic Specialist Training (BST) (2–3 Years)
At this stage, doctors decide whether to become a General Practitioner (GP) or a hospital-based specialist.
- GP Route: Doctors can enter a 4-year GP training program after completing BST.
- Specialist Route: Depending on the field, those aiming for a consultant job must pursue higher specialist training (HST), which takes an additional 4–6 years.
4. Higher Specialist Training (HST) & Consultancy (4–6 Years)
After BST, those continuing in hospital specialities must complete HST in their chosen field. This is the final step before applying for consultant positions offering the highest salaries.
⏳ Total Time to Become a High-Earning Doctor
- GPs: 10–12 years (including training and experience)
- Consultants: 12–15+ years before reaching top pay grades
- Surgeons & Specialists: 15+ years, depending on speciality and experience
Medical School Fees: €3,000–€16,000 per year (EU students)
Living Costs: €12,000–€15,000 per year (rent, food, transport)
Postgraduate Exam Fees: €500–€2,000 per exam
Total Cost: €60,000–€120,000 (over a full training period)
Doctors see high returns despite these costs through strong job opportunities, salaries, and career progression.
Visa & Recruitment for International Doctors
Doctors from other countries can also move to Ireland and practise medicine there, as the salaries are better and there are great opportunities for career growth.
- The HSE offers relocation support and recruitment assistance.
- NHS-trained doctors often transition smoothly due to similar training structures.
- A Critical Skills Employment Permit is available for high-demand medical specialties.
Public vs. Private Healthcare Earnings in Ireland
Doctors in Ireland can work in public hospitals (HSE) or private healthcare facilities. The salary scales, work conditions, and job benefits differ for each sector; understanding these differences can help.
Public Healthcare (HSE) – Salaries, Benefits & Challenges
The Health Service Executive (HSE) oversees Ireland's public healthcare system. Doctors working in public hospitals receive structured pay scales based on years of experience and job grade.
Public Sector Salaries (2024 Estimates)
- Interns: €40,000–€45,000 per year
- Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs): €55,000–€80,000 per year
- General Practitioners (GPs): €76,000–€90,000+ per year
- Consultants: €134,000–€257,000 per year
Advantages of Working in Public Healthcare
✅ Structured Pay Scales – Salaries increase based on years of experience
✅ Job Security – Permanent HSE contracts provide long-term stability
✅ Pension & Benefits – Doctors receive HSE pension contributions
✅ Training & Career Progression – Public hospitals offer funded training opportunities
Challenges of Working in Public Healthcare
❌ Long Working Hours – Many doctors work 60–80 hours per week, including overnight shifts
❌ Staffing Shortages – Increased workloads due to understaffing
❌ Lower Salaries vs. Private Sector – Public pay scales are lower than private hospital salaries
Private Healthcare – Salaries, Benefits & Considerations
Private hospitals and clinics in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick attract highly paid specialists due to their higher salary offers and flexible contracts.
Private Sector Salaries (2024 Estimates)
- GPs in Private Practice: €100,000–€150,000 per year
- Private Consultants: €200,000–€350,000 per year
- Locum Specialists: €100–€200 per hour
Advantages of Working in Private Healthcare
✅ Higher Salaries – Private hospitals offer top-tier salaries and bonuses
✅ Better Work-Life Balance – Fewer hours, more flexibility
✅ Less Bureaucracy – Private hospitals have faster decision-making
✅ Modern Facilities – Access to the latest medical technology and resources
Challenges of Working in Private Healthcare
❌ Less Job Security – Contracts are often fixed-term or performance-based
❌ No HSE Pension – Private doctors need to arrange personal pension plans
❌ Higher Cost of Living in Private Healthcare Hubs – Cities like Dublin and Cork have high rent and living costs
| Factor | Public (HSE) | Private Hospitals/Clinics |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | €134,000–€257,000 (Consultant) | €200,000–€350,000 (Consultant) |
| GP Salary | €76,000–€90,000+ | €100,000–€150,000 |
| Locum Rates | €50–€100 per hour | €100–€200 per hour |
| Work Hours | 60–80 hours per week | 40–60 hours per week |
| Job Security | High | Medium |
| Pension & Benefits | Yes (HSE-funded) | No (self-funded) |
| Career Growth | Structured pay scales | Performance-based salary increases |
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