UK Doctor Salary Per Month: A Complete Guide to NHS Pay Scales in 2026

Understanding the UK Doctor Salary Per Month

If you are looking into a medical career or already working as a doctor in the NHS, knowing the typical uk doctor salary per month is essential for budgeting and career planning. Unlike many other roles, doctors’ pay is set nationally through NHS contracts and reviewed annually by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). For the 2026/27 financial year, the government accepted a 3.5% increase to basic pay for all doctor groups, effective from 1 April 2026.

This guide breaks down the monthly basic salary for each stage of a doctor’s career in England, based on official NHS pay scales published by NHS Employers and Health Careers. Remember that these figures are basic pay before any enhancements for unsocial hours, overtime, or on-call work, and before deductions for tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions.

Foundation Doctors (Junior Doctors)

After medical school, doctors enter a two-year foundation programme. From April 2026, the basic annual salary for foundation doctors is £41,226 to £47,610. That gives a monthly basic salary of approximately £3,435 to £3,967. Foundation doctors typically work a mix of shifts, including nights and weekends, so their actual monthly pay is often higher once enhancements are added.

Specialty Training (Registrars)

Doctors who progress into specialty training (for example, to become a surgeon, physician, or psychiatrist) earn a basic salary ranging from £55,355 to £77,348 per year. This translates to roughly £4,613 to £6,446 per month. The exact point on the scale depends on years of training and experience. Again, additional pay for out-of-hours work applies.

Specialty Doctors and Specialist Grade

For doctors who choose a career as a specialty doctor (formerly staff grade and associate specialist), the 2026/27 basic salary is £63,696 to £102,689 annually – about £5,308 to £8,557 per month. Specialist grade doctors, a more senior non-consultant role, earn £104,401 to £115,341 per year, or roughly £8,700 to £9,612 per month.

Consultants

Consultants are the most senior hospital doctors. Their basic salary in 2026/27 ranges from £113,565 to £150,569 per year, depending on length of service. That works out at approximately £9,464 to £12,547 per month. Consultants can also apply for local Clinical Excellence Awards and national Clinical Impact Awards, which are competitive and add to basic pay. Extra responsibilities in management, teaching, or research may attract additional payments.

Salaried GPs

General practitioners working as salaried employees (rather than practice partners) earn between £78,699 and £118,759 per year from April 2026. Monthly basic salary is therefore around £6,558 to £9,897. GPs may also receive additional payments for extended hours, out-of-hours work, or for taking on extra clinical duties.

How Does This Compare to Statutory Minimum Wage?

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour, and the National Minimum Wage for 18–20 year olds is £10.85 per hour. Even the lowest-paid foundation doctor earns well above these rates when calculated on an hourly basis. However, doctors’ pay is governed by NHS contracts, not the statutory minimum wage. For more on minimum wage rates, see our UK Minimum Wage page.

Important Caveats

• Regional differences: The pay scales above apply to England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate NHS pay arrangements that may differ.
• Basic vs. take-home: Monthly basic salary is not the same as take-home pay. Deductions for income tax, National Insurance, NHS pension contributions, and student loan repayments can reduce net pay significantly.
• Enhancements: Resident doctors on the 2016 contract receive a 37% enhancement for night shifts, a weekend allowance, and an availability allowance for on-call. These can boost monthly earnings by thousands of pounds.
• Pay progression: Doctors move up pay points within their grade based on experience. For example, a consultant’s salary increases over time from the minimum to the maximum of the scale.

For a deeper look at how NHS pay bands compare across different roles, visit our pay data page. You can also read more about salary trends and contract changes in our pay guides.

Summary

The uk doctor salary per month varies widely by career stage, from around £3,435 for a foundation doctor to over £12,500 for an experienced consultant. These figures are basic pay only; actual monthly earnings are often higher due to shift enhancements and allowances. Always check your individual contract and the latest NHS pay circulars for precise amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a junior doctor earn per month in the UK?

A junior doctor in foundation training earns a basic annual salary of £41,226 to £47,610, which works out to roughly £3,435 to £3,967 per month before tax and deductions. This does not include extra pay for night shifts, weekends, or on-call work, which can increase the monthly total.

What is the monthly salary for a consultant in the NHS?

Consultants in England earn a basic annual salary between £113,565 and £150,569, depending on length of service. This equates to approximately £9,464 to £12,547 per month. Additional payments may come from Clinical Excellence Awards or Clinical Impact Awards, as well as extra responsibilities in management or education.

Do doctors get paid overtime or extra for working nights?

Yes. Resident doctors on the 2016 contract receive a 37% enhancement for night work, a weekend allowance, and an availability allowance for on-call duties. Any hours worked over 40 per week are paid as overtime. These additions can substantially boost monthly take-home pay beyond the basic salary.