Understanding the Dermatologist Salary in the UK

If you are looking for a clear, up-to-date figure for a dermatologist salary in the UK, the picture is more nuanced than a single number. Dermatologists in the NHS are typically employed as consultants or specialty doctors under the national medical and dental terms and conditions. Their pay is set annually by the government following recommendations from the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB).

What the Latest Search Reveals

Our research into the most recent public information (as of early 2026) shows that:

• NHS Employers published the 2026/27 pay scales for Agenda for Change staff (nurses, allied health professionals, etc.), but dermatologists are not on those bands. They are on the consultant or specialty doctor contracts.
• The Pay and Conditions Circular (M&D) 1/2026 confirms a 3.5% increase to basic pay for consultants from 1 April 2026. The same circular also increased pay for specialty doctors and doctors in training by 3.5%.
• The Nuffield Trust (2023) reported that consultant basic NHS pay ranged from £93,666 to £126,281, with average full-time earnings around £143,100 once on-call, clinical excellence awards, and other allowances are included. These figures are from 2023 and do not reflect the 2026/27 uplift.
• The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) conducted a workforce census in 2024, but it focused on working patterns and numbers, not salary data.

Because the exact 2026/27 consultant salary scales were not included in the search results, we cannot give a precise dermatologist salary figure. However, applying the 3.5% uplift to the 2023 range gives a rough estimate of £97,000 to £130,800 basic pay for 2026/27. Total earnings will be higher.

Hourly Rate vs Annual Salary for Dermatologists

NHS consultants are paid an annual salary, not an hourly wage. However, if you want to compare an hourly job offer with a salaried consultant post, you can use a simple conversion. The standard full-time NHS contract is 37.5 hours per week. To convert an hourly rate to annual salary:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × 37.5 hours × 52 weeks

For example, if a locum dermatologist is offered £50 per hour, that equates to roughly £97,500 per year before tax. But remember: salaried consultants receive paid leave, pension contributions, and sick pay, while hourly workers may not.

Conversely, to find the hourly equivalent of a consultant’s salary, divide the annual basic pay by (37.5 × 52). Using the lower end of the 2023 range: £93,666 ÷ 1,950 hours ≈ £48.03 per hour. After the 3.5% uplift, that would be about £49.70 per hour.

London Weighting and Other Allowances

Dermatologists working in London or the South East receive a London weighting allowance. The 2026/27 circular sets:

• Higher rate: £11,673 per year
• Lower rate: £5,837 per year

This is paid on top of basic salary and is not included in the hourly rate. Additionally, consultants may earn extra through:

• On-call and weekend allowances (percentage of basic salary)
• Clinical excellence awards (up to tens of thousands)
• Additional programmed activities (overtime)

Part-time working is common among dermatologists, which reduces annual salary proportionally. The BAD workforce census noted that many newer consultants prioritise work-life balance, often working less than full-time.

Comparing Dermatologist Pay with Other Roles

For context, the UK median full-time gross annual pay is around £39,039 (2026/27 on-site reference), and the National Living Wage (age 21+) is £12.71 per hour (2026/27). A consultant dermatologist’s basic pay is well above these benchmarks, reflecting the high level of training and responsibility.

However, junior doctors in training earn much less. The Nuffield Trust reported that first-year foundation doctors had average total earnings of about £41,300 in 2023, while specialty registrars near the end of training earned around £71,300. After the 3.5% uplift for 2026/27, these figures will be slightly higher.

Caveats and Important Notes

• The figures in this article are based on publicly available NHS pay circulars and independent research. They are not official dermatologist-specific data.
• Actual take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and student loan repayments.
• Private practice can significantly increase a dermatologist’s total income, but that is not covered by NHS pay scales.
• Always check your contract and the latest salary articles on our site for updates.

For more tools and comparisons, visit our Hourly to Salary calculator or explore salary data for other professions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average dermatologist salary in the UK?

There is no single average figure because dermatologists are usually employed as NHS consultants or specialty doctors. Based on the Nuffield Trust (2023), consultant basic pay ranged from £93,666 to £126,281, with average full-time earnings around £143,100 including extras. For 2026/27, a 3.5% increase has been applied, but exact updated figures are not yet published in the search results. Private practice earnings can be additional.

How do I convert a dermatologist's hourly rate to an annual salary?

NHS consultants are paid an annual salary, not an hourly rate. However, if you have an hourly rate, multiply by contracted hours per week (typically 37.5 for full-time NHS) and by 52 weeks. For example, £40 per hour × 37.5 hours × 52 weeks = £78,000 per year. But consultant pay includes on-call, overtime, and London weighting, so actual earnings may differ. Always check your contract.

Does London weighting affect a dermatologist's salary?

Yes. The 2026/27 medical and dental circular lists London weighting allowances: higher rate £11,673 per year and lower rate £5,837 per year. Consultants working in London or the South East may receive this on top of basic pay. It is paid as an annual supplement, not an hourly uplift.