Junior Doctor Salary Calculator UK

Calculate Your NHS Junior Doctor Salary

NHS Junior Doctor Pay Scales 2025

Important: NHS junior doctors (now called resident doctors) are on either the 2016 contract or legacy 2002 contract. Most new doctors are on the 2016 contract with its nodal point system.

Grade Nodal Point Basic Annual Salary Monthly Basic Pay
Foundation Year 1 (FY1) 1 £38,831 £3,236
Foundation Year 2 (FY2) 2 £44,439 £3,703
Core Training 1-2 (CT1-2) 3 £52,656 £4,388
Core Training 3-4 (CT3-4) 4 £65,048 £5,421
Specialty Training 1-2 (ST1-2) 3 £52,656 £4,388
Specialty Training 3-5 (ST3-5) 4 £65,048 £5,421
Specialty Training 6-8 (ST6-8) 5 £73,992 £6,166

Pay Components Explained

Basic Salary

Your basic salary is determined by your training grade and nodal point. This covers a standard 40-hour working week between 7am-7pm, Monday to Friday.

Additional Hours Pay

Any hours worked above the standard 40 hours per week are paid at 1/40th of your basic annual salary per hour. For example, if you earn £44,439 annually, each additional hour is worth approximately £21.36.

Enhanced Hours (37% Uplift)

Work performed during antisocial hours (7pm-7am on weekdays, or any time at weekends) attracts a 37% enhancement above the standard hourly rate. This significantly increases your total compensation for unsociable working patterns.

Weekend Allowance

Doctors participating in weekend rotas receive additional allowances based on frequency:

  • 1 in 8 weekends: Lower weekend allowance
  • 1 in 4-5 weekends: Standard weekend allowance
  • 1 in 3 weekends: Higher weekend allowance

On-Call Availability Allowance

When you’re required to be available for on-call duties, you receive an availability allowance even when not called in. The amount varies by nodal point and frequency of on-call commitments.

Recent Pay Changes

2024-2025 Pay Award: Junior doctors received a significant pay settlement including 13.2% for 2023/24 and 8% for 2024/25, ending the prolonged industrial action. The title “junior doctor” was officially changed to “resident doctor” in September 2024.

Career Progression and Salary Growth

Junior doctor salaries increase substantially as you progress through training grades. The jump from FY2 to CT/ST positions represents a significant pay rise of approximately £8,000-£21,000 depending on your specialty and working patterns.

Post-training career options include:

  • Consultant: £109,725 – £145,478 basic salary
  • Specialty Doctor: £61,542 – £99,216 basic salary
  • Salaried GP: £76,038 – £114,743 basic salary

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this salary calculator?
This calculator uses official NHS pay scales and allowance rates from 2025. However, actual pay may vary based on specific trust policies, exact rota patterns, and individual circumstances. Always verify with your employer’s payroll department.
What’s the difference between the 2016 and 2002 contracts?
The 2016 contract uses a nodal point system with defined basic salaries and clear allowance structures. The 2002 contract uses experience-based scales and banding multipliers. Most new doctors are automatically placed on the 2016 contract.
When do I progress to the next pay grade?
Pay progression typically occurs when you move to the next training year, subject to successful completion of assessments and competencies. This usually happens annually, though some specialty training positions may have different progression timelines.
Are there additional payments for specific specialties?
Yes, certain specialties receive additional supplements. For example, psychiatry trainees may receive specialty-specific allowances. Some high-intensity specialties or those with recruitment challenges may offer additional financial incentives.
How is overtime calculated?
Overtime isn’t calculated separately – instead, additional hours above 40 per week are paid at your standard hourly rate (1/40th of annual salary). Hours during antisocial times receive the 37% enhancement automatically.

Tax and Take-Home Pay Considerations

The calculated figures represent gross annual salary before deductions. Your take-home pay will be reduced by:

  • Income tax (20% basic rate, 40% higher rate)
  • National Insurance contributions
  • NHS Pension Scheme contributions (typically 5-14.5% depending on salary)
  • Professional registration fees (GMC, medical defence organisation)

Most junior doctors fall into the 20% tax bracket initially, progressing to 40% as they advance through training grades.

Regional Variations

This calculator focuses on English NHS pay scales. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may have slightly different rates and allowance structures. Private sector and locum rates typically exceed NHS rates but lack the pension benefits and job security.

References

  1. NHS Employers. (2025). Pay and Conditions Circular (M&D) 2/2025. NHS Employers Organisation.
  2. British Medical Association. (2025). Pay scales for resident doctors in England. British Medical Association.
  3. NHS Health Careers. (2025). Pay for doctors. National Health Service.
  4. Department of Health and Social Care. (2025). Junior doctors pay award 2024-2025. HM Government.
  5. Nuffield Trust. (2025). Exploring the earnings of NHS doctors in England – 2025 update. Nuffield Trust.

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