Doctors Salary 2026/27: NHS Pay Scales and How They Compare to Minimum Wage Age Bands

Understanding Doctors Salary in the NHS

When discussing a doctors salary, it is important to recognise that medical professionals are not paid according to the National Minimum Wage age bands that apply to most other workers. Instead, NHS doctors in England have their own structured pay scales, negotiated nationally and recommended by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). For 2026/27, all doctor groups received a 3.5% increase to basic pay, effective from 1 April 2026.

How Doctors Pay Differs from Statutory Minimum Wage Age Bands

The UK’s statutory minimum wage rates are based on age: the National Living Wage (£12.71/hr for age 21+), National Minimum Wage for 18–20 (£10.85/hr), and lower rates for under-18s and apprentices (£8/hr). These apply to most employees, but doctors are exempt because their pay is set by professional contracts. A foundation doctor’s basic salary of £41,226 works out to roughly £21 per hour for a standard 40-hour week – well above the National Living Wage. However, doctors often work longer hours and receive additional allowances, so their effective hourly rate can vary.

NHS Pay Scales for Doctors in 2026/27

Based on official NHS Employers data and Health Careers guidance, here are the basic salary ranges for different doctor roles from 1 April 2026:

• Resident doctors in Foundation training: £41,226 to £47,610
• Resident doctors in Specialist training: £55,355 to £77,348 (new ten-point nodal structure)
• Specialty doctors (2021 contract): £63,696 to £102,689
• Specialist grade doctors: £104,401 to £115,341
• Consultants: £113,565 to £150,569 (depending on length of service)
• Salaried GPs: £78,699 to £118,759

These figures are basic annual salaries. Doctors also receive High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) if they work in London or the fringe areas, adding 5–20% of basic salary. For example, a consultant in inner London could receive an extra 20% (subject to caps).

Eligibility and Progression

Unlike age-based minimum wage bands, doctors’ pay progression is tied to training stage and experience. Foundation doctors move from year 1 to year 2 automatically. Specialty training doctors now progress through ten nodal points aligned with training milestones, replacing the previous five-point system. Consultants start at the minimum of their scale and move up annually until reaching the maximum after about 19 years. Specialty doctors and GPs have their own incremental scales. Eligibility for each role requires relevant qualifications, GMC registration, and appointment to an NHS post.

Take-Home Pay Considerations

A doctors salary is not just the basic figure. Most doctors receive enhancements for:

• Night shifts (37% extra on basic hourly rate)
• Weekend work (allowance per session)
• On-call availability (allowance based on frequency)
• Overtime (over 40 hours per week)

For resident doctors, these enhancements can add 20–50% to basic pay. Consultants may also earn Clinical Excellence Awards or Clinical Impact Awards, which are competitive and based on performance. Salaried GPs may have additional income from partnership or private work, but the NHS salary range is as stated.

Where to Find More Information

For general guidance on UK wage rates and age bands, visit UK Minimum Wage for an overview of statutory rates. For detailed breakdowns of NHS pay structures and how they compare to other sectors, see our pay guides. The official sources used for this article include NHS Employers, Health Careers, and GOV.UK guidance on the DDRB report.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a doctors salary compare to the National Living Wage?

Doctors are not paid under the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage age bands. Their salaries are set by national NHS contracts and independent pay review bodies. For context, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21+ is £12.71 per hour (roughly £24,000 full-time), while a foundation doctor starts at over £41,000. Doctors earn well above statutory minimum rates, but their training and responsibilities are significantly higher.

What are the eligibility requirements for each NHS doctor pay band?

Eligibility depends on training stage and role. Foundation doctors (years 1–2) are on a fixed pay scale. Specialty training doctors progress through nodal points linked to training milestones. Specialty and specialist grade doctors have their own pay ranges based on experience and responsibilities. Consultants are paid on a single scale with incremental steps based on years of service. Salaried GPs have a separate pay range. All doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council and hold appropriate NHS posts.

Do doctors receive additional pay on top of their basic salary?

Yes. Doctors typically receive enhancements for working nights (37% extra), weekend work, on-call availability, and overtime beyond 40 hours per week. Consultants may also apply for Clinical Excellence Awards or Clinical Impact Awards. These additions can substantially increase total take-home pay. The basic salary figures quoted are just the starting point.