Junior Doctor Salary 2026/27: Current Pay Scales and Eligibility

Understanding Junior Doctor Salary in the UK

If you are a medical trainee or considering a career in medicine, understanding the junior doctor salary structure is essential. Junior doctors—now officially called resident doctors in England—are qualified doctors who are still in training towards a specialty. Their pay is set by national contracts and reviewed annually by the independent Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB).

Current Pay Scales for 2026/27

For the 2026/27 financial year, the government accepted the DDRB recommendation of a 3.5% increase to basic pay for all resident doctors, with higher uplifts for those in the early years of training. The new rates took effect from 1 April 2026.

Foundation Year 1 (FY1) – the first year after medical school – saw basic pay rise from £38,831 to £41,226, a 6.2% increase. Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctors now earn £47,610, up 7.1% from £44,439. These increases recognise the growing complexity and pressures faced by new doctors.

For specialty trainees, basic salaries vary by nodal point:

• ST1/CT1: £55,355
• ST3/CT3: £67,325
• ST6: £76,582
• ST8: £77,348

These figures are for a standard 40-hour week and do not include additional payments for overtime, night shifts, weekends, or on-call work. According to NHS Employers pay scales, the basic hourly rate for an FY1 doctor is approximately £19.68, rising to over £29 for more senior trainees.

How Junior Doctor Pay Compares to Minimum Wage

It is important to note that junior doctor salaries are far above the statutory minimum wage rates. The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour, while the National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds is £10.85. Even the lowest-paid FY1 doctor earns an hourly basic rate of around £19.68, and with additional payments this can exceed £25 per hour. Therefore, the junior doctor salary is not directly comparable to minimum wage rates, but it provides a useful benchmark for understanding the value placed on medical training.

For more details on how different pay rates apply across age bands and roles, see our pay guides and pay data pages.

Additional Earnings and Take-Home Pay

Basic salary is only part of the picture. NHS England data shows that resident doctors typically earn 27–31% more than their basic pay from additional contracted hours, unsocial hours payments, and other allowances. For example, an FY1 doctor on £41,226 basic could see total earnings of around £52,000–£54,000. More senior trainees often earn proportionally more.

Additionally, doctors working in London and surrounding areas receive a Higher Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) of 5–20% of basic salary, subject to minimum and maximum payments. This can add between £1,346 and £8,746 per year depending on the zone.

The government has also agreed to reimburse mandatory Royal College portfolio fees and examination costs, which can save junior doctors thousands of pounds. A new Flexible Pay Premia of £10,000 is available for trainees who complete an approved higher degree and return to clinical training.

Eligibility and Age Bands

Unlike the National Minimum Wage, which has age-based bands, the junior doctor salary is determined by training grade rather than age. Most junior doctors are aged 23 or older, so they are entitled to the National Living Wage as a floor, but their actual earnings far exceed this. The pay structure is designed to reflect increasing responsibility and experience as doctors progress through foundation years, core training, and specialty registrar posts.

Future Outlook

The current pay deal runs for three years (2026/27 to 2028/29) with further increases already scheduled. For example, ST2 doctors will see their basic salary rise to £56,925 in 2027/28, and ST8 doctors will reach £80,730 by 2028/29. This provides certainty for trainees planning their careers.

For the most up-to-date information on all UK pay rates, visit our UK Minimum Wage homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a junior doctor in 2026/27?

The basic full-time salary for a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor is £41,226 per year. This is a 6.2% increase from the previous year. Additional earnings from unsocial hours and overtime can increase total pay by around 26% on average.

How much do junior doctors earn with overtime and unsocial hours?

According to NHS England data, resident doctors typically earn 27–31% more than their basic salary from additional hours, night shifts, weekend work, and other allowances. For example, an FY1 doctor earning £41,226 basic could see total earnings of around £52,000 or more.

Are junior doctors paid above the National Living Wage?

Yes, junior doctors are paid significantly above the National Living Wage of £12.71 per hour (for age 21+). Even the lowest-paid FY1 doctor earns an hourly rate equivalent to over £20 per hour based on a 40-hour week, and actual hourly rates are higher when including additional payments.