Doctors’ pay and pension
What NHS doctors in England take home at every stage, from FY1 to consultant, with nights, weekends, on-call and pay premia, plus your NHS Pension.
Doctors’ pay calculator
Resident doctors with rota pay, consultants and SAS doctors with programmed activities and on-call, and salaried GPs.
Doctors’ pension calculator
Your NHS Pension and lump sum in today’s money, with the 1995 and 2008 sections, McCloud and the annual allowance.
Doctors’ pay guides
Doctors’ pay in 2026/27 at a glance
- 3.5% for all doctors from 1 April 2026, with extra for resident doctors under the nodal point reform: FY1 up 6.2% and FY2 up 7.1%.
- FY1 basic pay is £41,226 and FY2 is £47,610.
- Consultants earn £113,565 to £150,569 basic.
- NHS Pension contributions are 5.2% to 12.5% of pensionable pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a junior doctor take home a month?
On basic pay in England from April 2026, an FY1 takes home about £2,498 a month after tax, NI and the NHS Pension, an FY2 about £2,839, and an ST3 about £3,774. Rota pay comes on top: an FY1 working 48 hours a week with 8 night hours, 1 in 3 weekends and on-call takes home about £3,456.
How much do consultants earn?
Consultants on the 2003 contract in England earn £113,565 to £150,569 basic for 10 programmed activities from April 2026, depending on years as a consultant. A new consultant takes home about £5,659 a month before any extra sessions, on-call or awards.
What is the hourly rate for an FY1 doctor?
£19.77 an hour basic, based on a 40-hour week. Hours over 40 are paid at the same rate, and hours between 9pm and 7am get an extra 37%.
How much do doctors pay into the NHS Pension?
Between 5.2% and 12.5% of pensionable pay. An FY1 pays 9.8%, which is £336.68 a month, but it only reduces take-home by about £269.34 because it comes off before tax.
Is rota pay pensionable for doctors?
Yes. For resident doctors on the 2016 contract, pay for additional hours, night enhancements, the weekend allowance and on-call allowance all count as pensionable pay, which can also move you into a higher contribution tier.
Do doctors get London weighting?
Yes. Doctors working in London get £2,162 a year, paid pro rata if you work less than full time.
Can doctors claim tax relief on GMC and royal college fees?
Yes. Fees to bodies on HMRC’s approved list, such as the GMC, royal colleges and the BMA, can be claimed against tax. HMRC adjusts your tax code, and you can backdate claims for up to four years.
Are these pay scales for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
No. They are the England pay scales. The other nations set their own doctors’ pay, although tax in the calculator can be set for Scotland.