Understanding Doctors' Pay in the UK: Seniority and Regional Differences

When researching a doctors salary in the UK, it's important to recognise that pay varies significantly by grade, location, and additional duties. Unlike many NHS staff who are paid under the Agenda for Change bands, doctors have their own pay scales set by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB). The 2026/27 pay award increased basic salaries by 3.5% for most doctor groups, effective from 1 April 2026.

The Structure of NHS Doctor Pay

Doctors' pay is divided into several career stages, each with its own salary range. According to NHS Employers and Health Careers, the basic salaries for 2026/27 are:

• Foundation doctors (first two years after medical school): £41,226 to £47,610 per year.
• Doctors in specialist training: £55,355 to £77,348 per year.
• Specialty doctors (post-training, non-consultant): £63,696 to £102,689 per year.
• Specialist grade doctors: £104,401 to £115,341 per year.
• Consultants: £113,565 to £150,569 per year, depending on length of service.
• Salaried GPs: £78,699 to £118,759 per year.

These figures are basic salaries. Most doctors receive additional payments for unsocial hours, on-call availability, and weekend work. For example, resident doctors get a 37% enhancement for night shifts and a weekend allowance if they work at least one in eight weekends.

Hourly vs Annual Conversion for Doctors

Converting a doctor's annual salary to an hourly rate is not straightforward because contracted hours vary. Junior doctors typically have a 40-hour week as their base contract, but they often work additional hours. For a rough estimate, you can use the formula:

Annual basic salary ÷ (contracted hours per week × 52) = approximate hourly rate

For example, a foundation doctor on £41,226 working 40 hours per week would earn about £19.82 per hour. However, this ignores overtime and unsocial hours payments, which can push the effective hourly rate much higher. For a consultant on £113,565, the same calculation gives about £54.60 per hour, but again, actual earnings depend on additional responsibilities and private practice.

If you want to convert your own hourly wage to an annual salary, use our Hourly to Salary calculator. For more context on UK pay benchmarks, see our salary data page.

Regional Variations: London Weighting and HCAS

Doctors working in high-cost areas receive additional allowances. The London weighting for doctors in 2026/27 is:

• Higher rate (inner London): £11,673 per year.
• Lower rate (outer London): £5,837 per year.

These are paid on top of basic salary. Additionally, the NHS uses Higher Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) for areas like the South East and parts of the Home Counties. HCAS rates are tiered (inner, outer, fringe) and add a percentage to basic pay. For example, a consultant in inner London could receive both London weighting and HCAS, significantly boosting their total compensation.

Seniority Differences and Career Progression

The most striking difference in doctors salary is between junior and senior grades. A foundation doctor starts around £41k, while a consultant can earn over £150k. The jump from specialty doctor to consultant is particularly large, reflecting the increased responsibility and clinical independence. Consultants may also apply for Clinical Excellence Awards or Clinical Impact Awards, which are competitive and can add thousands to their salary.

Salaried GPs have a narrower range (£78,699 to £118,759) but often have more predictable hours compared to hospital doctors. GP partners, who run their own practices, can earn more but also bear business risks.

Average Earnings in Context

According to NHS Digital's Staff Earnings Estimates for June 2026, the mean annual basic pay per full-time equivalent (FTE) across all NHS Trust staff in England was £44,457. This figure includes nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff, so doctors' salaries are well above the NHS average. The mean annual earnings per person (including overtime and allowances) was £45,163, showing that additional pay is a significant part of total compensation.

For comparison, the UK median full-time gross annual pay is around £39,039, meaning even a foundation doctor's basic salary exceeds the national median. Consultants' salaries place them in the top few percent of UK earners.

Key Takeaways

• Doctors salary increases with seniority, from £41k for foundation doctors to over £150k for consultants.
• Regional allowances like London weighting and HCAS can add £5k to £12k per year.
• Hourly rate conversions are approximate due to variable hours and unsocial hours enhancements.
• Always check your contract and official guidance, as actual pay depends on rota, overtime, and location.

For more information on UK salary benchmarks, visit our salary articles or learn about different topics related to pay. If you need to convert your own hourly rate to an annual figure, try our hourly calculator.