Understanding UK Doctor Salary in 2026/27

If you are looking into a medical career in the UK or are already working in the NHS, understanding the uk doctor salary structure is essential. Doctor pay is not a single figure; it varies by training stage, grade, region, and additional responsibilities. This guide explains the latest NHS pay scales for 2026/27, how to convert annual salaries to hourly rates, and the regional differences that affect take-home pay.

NHS Doctor Pay Scales from 1 April 2026

The UK government announced a 3.5% basic pay increase for doctors on the 2021 contract and for consultants, effective from 1 April 2026. The NHS Employers published updated pay scales, and Health Careers provides a clear breakdown for each grade.

• Foundation doctors (year 1 and 2): basic annual salary £41,226 to £47,610.
• Core training doctors: basic salary £55,355 to £77,348.
• Specialty doctors (2021 contract): basic salary £63,696 to £102,689.
• Specialist grade doctors: basic salary £104,401 to £115,341.
• Consultants: basic salary £113,565 to £150,569, depending on length of service.

These figures are basic pay only. Most doctors receive additional payments for working nights, weekends, on-call, and overtime. The Pay and Conditions Circular (M&D) 1/2026 confirms that a doctor rostered to work weekends at a frequency of 1 in 8 or more receives a weekend allowance as a percentage of basic salary. London weighting is also added for eligible doctors: higher rate £11,673 per year, lower rate £5,837 per year.

Converting Annual Salary to Hourly Rate

On Hourly to Salary we use the rule of thumb: annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks. For doctors, the standard contracted week is typically 40 hours (though some contracts specify 37.5 or 40). To estimate an hourly rate from the annual basic salary:

• Foundation doctor (£41,226): £41,226 ÷ (40 × 52) ≈ £19.82 per hour.
• Specialty doctor (£63,696): £63,696 ÷ (40 × 52) ≈ £30.62 per hour.
• Consultant (£113,565): £113,565 ÷ (40 × 52) ≈ £54.60 per hour.

However, these are basic hourly rates. Actual earnings per hour can be higher due to enhancements (e.g., 37% extra for night work) or lower if unpaid overtime is common. The NHS Digital Staff Earnings Estimates for June 2026 show that across all NHS hospital staff in England, mean annual basic pay per full-time equivalent was £44,457, but mean annual non-basic pay per person was £5,615, highlighting the importance of additional payments.

Regional and Seniority Differences

Doctor pay varies significantly by region due to Higher Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) and London weighting. The NHS Employers pay scales include HCAS rates for London and the South East. For example, a Band 6 nurse in London receives a higher hourly rate than one in the North East. For doctors, London weighting adds thousands to annual basic pay, but those outside London receive no such supplement.

Seniority also drives pay progression. A consultant at the top of the scale earns £150,569, nearly four times a foundation doctor’s starting salary. Between these extremes, specialty doctors and specialist grades have their own incremental steps. The salary data page on this site provides further breakdowns for NHS roles.

What Affects Total Take-Home Pay?

Beyond basic salary, doctors can earn:

• Night enhancements: 37% extra for hours worked between 8pm and 6am.
• Weekend allowances: a percentage of basic salary for regular weekend work.
• On-call availability allowances: paid for being available to work.
• Clinical Excellence Awards: competitive awards for consultants who go beyond their job requirements.
• Less-than-full-time allowance: £1,000 per year for training doctors working part-time.

These extras mean that a doctor’s total annual earnings can be substantially higher than the basic salary. The NHS Digital report for June 2026 found mean annual earnings per person (including all payments) were £45,163, compared to mean basic pay per person of £39,548.

Using the Hourly to Salary Calculator

If you are a doctor or considering a medical career, our hourly calculator can help you convert between annual and hourly figures. Remember that for doctors, the basic salary is the starting point; your actual hourly rate depends on your rota, overtime, and location. Always check your contract and the official NHS Employers guidance.

For more detailed comparisons across NHS roles, visit our salary articles and topics pages. Understanding the full picture of uk doctor salary helps you negotiate better and plan your finances.

Key Takeaways

• uk doctor salary ranges from £41,226 (foundation) to £150,569 (consultant) basic annual pay.
• Hourly rates can be estimated by dividing annual basic pay by (40 hours × 52 weeks).
• London weighting adds £5,837–£11,673 per year.
• Total earnings include enhancements, allowances, and awards that can significantly boost income.
• Regional differences exist through HCAS, but only in high-cost areas.

For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, refer to official sources like NHS Employers and Health Careers. Use our tools to make informed decisions about your salary.