Understanding the Resident Doctor Salary: Pay Scales, Progression and Comparisons

Understanding Resident Doctor Pay

If you are considering a career in medicine or are already working as a resident doctor in England, understanding your salary is essential. The term ‘resident doctor’ covers all doctors in training, from Foundation Year 1 (FY1) right through to specialty trainees at ST8. Their pay is not set by the National Minimum Wage but through a combination of independent pay review body recommendations and negotiated reforms.

Recent changes mean that the resident doctor salary has seen significant uplifts. In June 2026, the government and the British Medical Association (BMA) agreed a package that includes a 3.5% pay award from the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Body (DDRB) plus a major reform of the pay structure called nodal point reform. This reform expands the number of pay points from five to ten, meaning doctors can progress more quickly as they gain competencies.

For the 2026/27 financial year, a Foundation Year 1 doctor will receive a basic salary of £41,226 – a 6.2% increase on the previous year. A Foundation Year 2 doctor will earn £47,610, a 7.1% rise. More experienced trainees see increases too: an ST3 doctor gets £67,325 (3.5% up), while an ST8 doctor will earn £77,348 in 2026/27, rising to £80,730 by 2027/28. These figures come from official GOV.UK guidance and the BMA’s explainer.

It is important to note that these are basic salaries for full-time work. Most resident doctors also receive extra pay for working unsocial hours, weekends, nights, and on-call duties. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, these additional earnings can boost take-home pay by an average of 26% for FY1 doctors. So the actual weekly or monthly pay you receive will usually be higher than the basic annual figure.

How Resident Doctor Pay Compares to the National Living Wage

The National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) is currently £12.71 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds is £10.85, and for under-18s it is £8.00. Resident doctors are not paid by the hour, but we can make a rough comparison. If a full-time resident doctor works a standard 40-hour week (the typical contracted hours), their basic hourly rate would be approximately:

• FY1: £41,226 ÷ (52 × 40) ≈ £19.82 per hour
• ST8: £77,348 ÷ (52 × 40) ≈ £37.19 per hour

These rates are far above the statutory minimums. However, remember that resident doctors often work longer hours and are expected to study and train outside of paid time. The NHS is also introducing measures to better manage working hours, including the option to bring ARCP panels forward for doctors consistently working above 40 hours.

For job seekers comparing roles, it is helpful to look at total compensation packages. The resident doctor salary is just one part; you also get access to the NHS pension scheme, holiday entitlement, and from April 2026/27, reimbursement of mandatory Royal College exam fees (first two attempts) and membership fees. The Clinical Academic Flexible Pay Premia has also been increased to £10,000 for those who complete an approved higher degree and return to clinical training.

Pay Progression and Nodal Points

One of the biggest changes in the 2026 offer is the introduction of new nodal points. Previously, there were only five pay points covering all training grades. Now there are ten, each linked to a specific training stage and competency level. This means you do not have to wait for a generic pay band increase – you can move up as you pass your ARCP.

Here is a summary of the new nodal points and cumulative increases from 2025/26 to 2027/28 (as per the NHS England and BMA FAQs):

• FY1: 6.2% increase
• FY2: 7.1% increase
• ST1: 5.5% increase
• ST2 (new point): 8.1% increase
• ST3: 3.5% increase
• ST4 (new point): 6.6% increase
• ST5 (new point): 9.8% increase
• ST6: 3.5% increase
• ST7 (new point): 6.3% increase
• ST8 (new point): 9.1% increase

These increases are delivered in two stages: the first in 2026/27 (DDRB plus initial nodal reform) and the second in 2027/28 (final nodal reform, plus any further DDRB award). The exact 2027/28 pay award is not yet known, but the government has committed to engaging with the independent pay process.

For doctors working less than full time, the new system allows annual progression based on competencies, not just time served. This is a significant improvement for those balancing work with other commitments.

Additional Benefits and Allowances

Beyond basic pay, the 2026 offer includes several other financial benefits:

• Reimbursement of exam fees: The first two attempts at mandatory Royal College exams will be covered from April 2026.
• Membership and portfolio fees: From April 2027, these fees will also be reimbursed.
• Clinical Academic Flexible Pay Premia: Increased from £5,600 to £10,000 from April 2027.
• Faster progression for LEDs: Locally Employed Doctors can also benefit from enhanced ARCPs to move through pay points.

These changes are designed to improve retention and make training more affordable. For more detailed guidance on how these apply to your grade, visit our pay guides section.

Final Thoughts

The resident doctor salary in England has undergone substantial reform. With basic pay rising by up to 9.8% for some grades by 2027/28, and additional allowances for exams and academic work, the financial outlook for trainees is improving. However, always check your contract and speak to your employer or union for personalised advice. For a broader view of how medical salaries compare to other roles, see our pay data page.

Remember that these figures are for England only. If you work in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, consult your local NHS employer or devolved government for the relevant pay scales.