Understanding the UK Doctor Salary in 2026: A Practical Guide for Medical Professionals

Understanding the UK Doctor Salary in 2026

If you are a medical professional or considering a career in medicine, knowing the current uk doctor salary is essential for planning your finances and career progression. Unlike many jobs where pay is tied to age bands (as with the National Living Wage), doctor salaries in the UK are determined by your grade, training stage, and contract type. This guide breaks down the latest pay scales for 2026/27, based on official NHS publications.

How Doctor Pay Differs from Statutory Minimum Wage

The UK government sets hourly minimum wage rates by age: £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over (National Living Wage), £10.85 for 18–20 year olds, and £8.00 for under-18s and apprentices. However, these age bands do not apply to doctors. Instead, your salary is set by national NHS pay scales, which are negotiated through the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB). Even the most junior doctor earns well above the minimum wage, and pay rises with experience and responsibility.

For a full comparison of statutory rates, see our UK Minimum Wage page.

Resident Doctors (Foundation and Specialty Training)

Resident doctors include those in foundation training and specialty training. From 1 April 2026, the basic salary for a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor is £41,226. This rises to £47,610 in Foundation Year 2. For doctors in specialty training, the basic salary ranges from £55,355 to £77,348, depending on the stage of training. These figures come from the Health Careers website and the NHS Employers pay circular.

Importantly, resident doctors also receive enhancements for working unsocial hours. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, FY1 doctors can increase their earnings by an average of 26% through additional contracted hours, night shifts, and weekend work. The government’s offer for 2026/27 also includes a restructured nodal pay system with ten points, giving an average 4.9% uplift for resident doctors.

Specialty Doctors and Specialist Grade

Specialty doctors (on the 2021 contract) earn a basic salary between £63,696 and £102,689, depending on years of experience. For those at the specialist grade, the range is £104,401 to £115,341. These roles are for doctors who have completed core training but are not yet consultants. Pay progression is based on length of service, with increments at set points.

Consultants

Consultants are the most senior hospital doctors. From 1 April 2026, the basic salary for a consultant ranges from £113,565 to £150,569 per year, depending on years of service. Consultants can also apply for local Clinical Excellence Awards and national Clinical Impact Awards, which recognise exceptional contributions. Additional responsibilities in management, education, or research may attract further payments.

Salaried GPs

General practitioners working under a salaried contract have a pay range of £78,699 to £118,759 from April 2026. This is a 3.5% increase on the previous year. GPs who are partners in a practice may have different earnings, often higher but with more business risk.

Key Takeaways for Job Seekers and Workers

• No age bands: Doctor pay is based on grade and experience, not your age. This is different from the National Minimum Wage, which uses age thresholds.
• Basic vs total pay: Always consider that basic salary is only part of the picture. Unsocial hours, on-call, and awards can add thousands.
• Regional variations: The figures above are for England. If you work in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, check with your local NHS board.
• Backdated pay: The 2026/27 award is backdated to 1 April 2026, but you may not see the increase in your first payslip after implementation.

For more detailed breakdowns of pay scales and progression, visit our pay guides section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the UK doctor salary compare to the National Living Wage? The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour (2026/27). However, doctors are not paid by age band; their salaries are based on grade and contract. Even the lowest-paid foundation year 1 doctor earns a basic salary equivalent to roughly £21 per hour (based on a 37.5-hour week), well above the statutory minimum. With unsocial hours enhancements, actual hourly earnings are higher.

Do doctors receive additional payments beyond their basic salary? Yes. Resident doctors (foundation and specialty trainees) receive a 37% enhancement for night shifts, weekend allowances, and on-call availability allowances. Consultants can apply for local Clinical Excellence Awards and national Clinical Impact Awards. Salaried GPs may receive additional payments for extended hours or additional responsibilities. These extras can significantly increase take-home pay.

Are the 2026/27 doctor pay scales the same across the UK? No. The figures provided here apply to England under the NHS terms and conditions. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own pay review processes and may have different scales. Always check with your local NHS employer or relevant health department for the exact rates applicable to you.

For further reading on how pay bands work across different sectors, see our topics page.