Understanding Psychiatrist Salary in the UK

If you are researching a psychiatrist salary in the UK, you will find that pay varies significantly by grade, location, and whether you work in the NHS or privately. This article explains the latest NHS pay scales, how to convert annual salary to an hourly rate, and what factors like London weighting and part-time work mean for your earnings.

NHS Psychiatrist Pay Scales (2026/27)

The NHS uses a structured pay system for doctors. For consultants, the Pay and Conditions Circular (M&D) 1/2026 R2 confirms a 3.5% increase to basic pay from 1 April 2026. While the circular does not publish exact salary figures in the search results, a job listing on Health Careers for a consultant general psychiatrist at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust quotes a salary range of £113,565 to £150,569 per year. This is consistent with typical consultant scales.

For specialty doctors (SAS doctors) on the 2021 contract, basic pay also increased by 3.5%. Trainee psychiatrists (foundation and specialty training) follow separate pay scales, which are lower but still competitive.

Average Earnings for Medical and Dental Staff

The latest NHS Staff Earnings Estimates for March 2026 show that the mean annual basic pay per full-time equivalent (FTE) for all medical and dental staff in England was £55,119. This is an average across consultants, specialty doctors, and trainees. For psychiatrists specifically, consultant-level pay is well above this average, while trainees earn less.

Hourly Rate Conversion

Because psychiatrists are salaried, you can estimate an hourly rate using the standard NHS full-time week of 37.5 hours and 52 weeks per year. For example:

• Annual salary: £113,565
• Hourly rate: £113,565 ÷ (37.5 × 52) ≈ £58.24 per hour

For a senior consultant at £150,569, the hourly equivalent is about £77.21. Remember that this is a basic calculation. Actual pay may include overtime, on-call supplements, and clinical excellence awards, which increase the effective hourly rate.

Part-Time and Less-Than-Full-Time Work

Many psychiatrists work part-time or less-than-full-time (LTFT). The NHS calculates pay based on programmed activities (PAs). Full-time is typically 10 PAs per week. A psychiatrist working 6 PAs would receive 60% of the full-time salary. The Pay and Conditions Circular also notes a £1,000 annual allowance for doctors training less-than-full-time.

When converting a part-time salary to an hourly rate, use the actual contracted hours. For instance, a consultant working 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE) on a pro-rated salary of £68,139 would have an hourly rate of approximately £58.24 (same as full-time because the salary is pro-rated proportionally).

London Weighting and Higher Cost Area Supplements

Psychiatrists working in London and the South East receive a Higher Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). For 2026/27, the NHS Employers pay scales show HCAS rates up to £11,673 per year for inner London, with lower rates for outer London and fringe areas. This supplement is added to basic pay and is also reflected in hourly rates. For example, a Band 5 nurse in inner London might see an hourly rate of £19.68 including HCAS, but for doctors the supplement is calculated separately.

Factors That Affect Psychiatrist Salary

• Grade: Consultant, specialty doctor, or trainee.
• Experience: Consultants move up pay points over time.
• Location: London weighting and HCAS.
• Additional duties: On-call, weekend work, and clinical excellence awards.
• Sector: Private practice can offer higher earnings but less job security and pension benefits.

Using Our Tools

To convert your own hourly rate or salary, try our Hourly to Salary calculator. For more UK pay benchmarks, visit our salary data page. You can also read related articles on salary articles.

Summary

A psychiatrist salary in the NHS for a consultant typically ranges from £113,565 to £150,569 per year (2026/27). The average for all medical and dental staff is £55,119 per FTE. Hourly equivalents start around £58 per hour for a consultant. Part-time work is common and pay is pro-rated. London weighting adds up to £11,673 annually. Always check your contract and official NHS guidance for precise figures.