UK Doctor Salary Per Month: Regional and Seniority Differences in 2026/27

Understanding the UK Doctor Salary Per Month

When exploring the UK doctor salary per month, it is essential to recognise that figures vary significantly by grade, region, and additional duties. The NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each negotiate their own pay scales, and the tax treatment differs, especially in Scotland. This article breaks down the latest 2026/27 pay scales and provides realistic take-home estimates after the main deductions.

Gross Salary vs Take-Home Pay

A doctor’s gross salary is the figure quoted in pay circulars, but what lands in your bank account each month is lower after income tax, National Insurance, and the NHS pension. Most resident doctors also receive enhancements for antisocial hours, which can lift total pay by 15–40% above basic. The take-home figures below are based on basic pay only, using standard tax code 1257L and rest-of-UK tax bands, and exclude student loan repayments.

Seniority Differences: From FY1 to Consultant

Foundation doctors start at FY1 with a basic salary of £41,226 in England (2026/27). After income tax, National Insurance and the NHS pension (9.8% tier), the monthly take-home is approximately £2,498. FY2 doctors on £47,610 take home about £2,839 per month.

Registrars (ST1–ST8) earn between £55,355 and £77,348. Monthly take-home ranges from £3,245 (ST1–ST2) to £4,135 (ST8). Note that at ST4/ST5 the basic pay of £67,998 sits just above the NHS pension threshold of £67,668, triggering the 12.5% contribution rate, which can make net pay slightly lower than at ST3 despite a higher gross salary.

Consultants on the entry threshold (1) earn £113,565, taking home roughly £6,143 per month. At the top of the scale (threshold 4, 14+ years) the basic salary is £150,569, with monthly take-home around £7,632. These figures assume no additional responsibilities or private practice income.

Salaried GPs have a range floor of £78,699, giving a monthly take-home of about £4,684. GP partners and locums have different income structures not covered here.

Regional Variations Across the UK

England uses the pay scales above and the standard rest-of-UK income tax bands (20%, 40%, 45%). Wales and Northern Ireland follow similar tax bands but have their own contract negotiations; their 2026/27 scales may differ slightly. Scotland applies its own income tax bands (19–48% across six bands for 2026/27) and negotiates separate pay circulars. A doctor on the same gross salary in Scotland will generally have a lower take-home pay than in England due to the higher tax rates on middle incomes. The NHS pension tiers are uniform across all four nations.

Key Deductions Explained

• Income Tax: Personal allowance of £12,570 (frozen for 2026/27). Taxable income is taxed at 20% up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140, and 45% above. Scotland uses different thresholds and rates.
• National Insurance: Employee rate is 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above.
• NHS Pension: Tiered contributions from 5.2% (up to £13,259) to 12.5% (above £67,668). Most resident doctors fall into the 9.8% or 10.7% tiers; consultants and senior registrars typically pay 12.5%.
• Student Loan: Plan 2 (post-2012) repayments are 9% of earnings above £27,295 per year. This can reduce monthly take-home by £100–£400 depending on salary.

Using the Take-Home Calculator

For a personalised estimate, use our take-home calculator which accounts for your specific grade, nation, pension tier and student loan plan. You can also explore salary articles for more detailed comparisons across professions.

Summary

The UK doctor salary per month ranges from around £2,498 for an FY1 to over £7,600 for a senior consultant, but these are basic figures. Enhancements, pension tiers, student loans and regional tax differences all affect net pay. Always check your own payslip and official GOV.UK guidance for the most accurate picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a junior doctor take home per month in 2026/27?

A foundation year 1 (FY1) doctor in England on a basic salary of £41,226 takes home approximately £2,498 per month after income tax, National Insurance and the NHS pension (9.8% tier). An FY2 on £47,610 takes home about £2,839. These figures exclude student loan repayments and any extra pay for nights, weekends or on-call, which can boost take-home by 15–40%.

Does a doctor's take-home pay differ between England and Scotland?

Yes. Scotland sets its own NHS pay scales and uses different income tax bands (19–48% across six bands for 2026/27), while England, Wales and Northern Ireland use the same tax bands (20%, 40%, 45%). As a result, a doctor on the same gross salary in Scotland may have a slightly lower take-home pay due to higher tax rates on middle incomes. The NHS pension tiers are the same across all UK nations.

What deductions are taken from a doctor's gross salary before take-home pay?

The main deductions are: income tax (based on tax code 1257L, personal allowance £12,570), employee National Insurance (8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above), and NHS pension contributions (tiered from 5.2% to 12.5% of pensionable pay). Student loan repayments (Plan 1, 2, 4 or 5) are also deducted if applicable. These are taken before you receive your net pay.