Doctor Salary UK 2026
NHS doctor salaries from junior doctor to consultant. GP salary, hospital doctor pay scales, and private practice earnings for 2026.
NHS Doctor Pay Scales 2026
| Grade / Level | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year 1 (FY1) | £36,616 | Newly qualified doctors |
| Foundation Year 2 (FY2) | £42,008 | Second year after qualification |
| Core/Specialty Training (CT1/ST1) | £49,909 | Start of specialty training |
| Specialty Registrar (ST3-ST8) | £58,398–£80,693 | Mid-training specialists |
| Specialist Doctor (SAS) | £52,530–£82,400 | Specialty & Associate Specialist |
| Consultant (base) | £105,504 | Newly appointed consultant |
| Consultant (experienced) | £139,882 | Top of consultant scale |
| GP (salaried) | £68,000–£110,000 | GP salary range |
| GP (partner) | £80,000–£140,000 | GP partner income range |
Figures are estimates based on ONS ASHE data, sector surveys and advertised salaries. Individual salaries will vary.
About Doctor Salary Pay
NHS doctors are paid on separate pay scales from nurses. Foundation doctors (newly qualified) start at £36,616 and progress through specialty training to consultant level. Pay increases significantly at each stage.
The junior doctors' pay dispute of 2023-2024 resulted in a significant pay restoration deal. Pay is calculated using a complex system of basic pay plus supplements for unsocial hours, on-call duties and other factors.
GP salaries vary significantly. Salaried GPs (employed by a practice) typically earn £68,000–£110,000. GP partners (who own a share of the practice) may earn more, with some earning £140,000+, but they also take on the financial risk of running the practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do NHS doctors earn?
Foundation Year 1 doctors earn £36,616. This rises through training to £80,693 for senior registrars. Consultants earn from £105,504 to £139,882 on the NHS scale. Many consultants also do private work on top of their NHS salary. GPs typically earn £68,000–£140,000 depending on whether they are salaried or partners.
What is a consultant doctor's salary in the UK?
NHS consultant salaries start at £105,504 for newly appointed consultants and rise to £139,882 at the top of the scale. Many consultants supplement this with private practice, meaning total income can be considerably higher — senior consultants in popular specialties can earn £200,000+ including private work.
How much do GPs earn?
Salaried GPs (employed by a practice) typically earn £68,000–£110,000 per year. GP partners who own a share of their practice may earn more — typically £80,000–£140,000, though this varies considerably by practice size, location and other factors. GP earnings include their NHS contract income minus practice expenses.