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Practice managers see beyond-inflation salary increases

Six in ten practice managers earned a pay rise last year, at an average of 3.3% – above the inflation level of 1.9% – a survey of over 750 employees has revealed. 

The UK-wide First Practice Management study found that practice managers who received pay rises saw their salaries increase by £1,442 (3.3%) on average – keeping it well above the rate of inflation, our sister publication Management in Practice reported.

However, there were large disparities across the UK when it came to wage increases, overall earnings and bonuses, with practice managers in England seeing average rises of £1,428 but in Northern Ireland, it was just £580.

In terms of annual salary, practice managers in England reported making just under £46,000, whereas in NI, that figure was close to £34,000. In Scotland and Wales, it was around £39,000 and £41,000 respectively.

BMA GP committee chair Dr Richard Vautrey said: ‘The BMA does not recommend salary rates for practice managers, and it’s difficult to compare individual salaries, as there will be variations in practice size and each manager’s level of responsibility.

‘Recent years have seen a large number of mergers, and practice list sizes have increased significantly, which could be a reason we’re seeing such changes. Practices may also be recruiting new managers but with greater experience of managing larger businesses.’

The highest-earning individual in the survey made £150,000, while in contrast, the lowest-paid took home just £20,000 (both in England).

The findings show a massive reduction in the practice manager gender pay gap that has been prominent in recent years.

Last year, for instance, men in the role earned 15% more, on average, than women. This year, that disparity fell to 2%, with men making £44,727 and women £43,883. However, this should be taken with caution, as more women participated in the study than men.