Understanding Doctors Salary UK: Hourly to Annual Conversion

When exploring a career in medicine or negotiating a contract, knowing how to convert an hourly rate to an annual salary is essential. For doctors in the UK, pay is usually quoted as an annual basic salary, but understanding the hourly equivalent helps compare roles, especially when considering part-time work, overtime, or additional duties. This guide uses the latest NHS pay data for 2026/27 to explain doctors salary UK in both hourly and annual terms.

The Conversion Rule of Thumb

The standard conversion for a full-time NHS role is: annual salary ≈ hourly rate × contracted hours per week × 52 weeks. For doctors on the 2016 contract, full-time is typically 40 hours per week (including a 37.5-hour basic week plus 2.5 hours for predictable on-call or additional duties). For Agenda for Change staff (nurses, allied health professionals), the standard is 37.5 hours per week. Always confirm your contract’s definition of full-time hours.

For example, a foundation doctor earning a basic salary of £41,226 per year (the lower end for Foundation Year 1) would have an approximate hourly rate of:

£41,226 ÷ (40 × 52) = £19.82 per hour.

However, this is a basic rate; actual pay includes enhancements for nights (37% extra), weekends, and on-call allowances [Health Careers].

NHS Doctor Pay Scales 2026/27

From 1 April 2026, NHS doctors received a 3.5% increase to basic pay [NHS Employers Pay and Conditions Circular]. The following annual basic salaries (full-time) apply:

• Foundation doctors (FY1/FY2): £41,226 to £47,610
• Specialist training (core training): £55,355 to £77,348
• Specialty doctors (2021 contract): £63,696 to £102,689
• Specialist grade doctors: £104,401 to £115,341
• Consultants: £113,565 to £150,569 (depending on length of service)

These figures are from Health Careers and reflect basic pay only. Consultants may also receive Clinical Excellence Awards or National Clinical Impact Awards, which are competitive and add to total earnings.

Hourly Rates for Agenda for Change (Non-Doctor Staff)

While this article focuses on doctors, it’s useful to compare with other NHS roles. The NHS Employers pay scales for 2026/27 show hourly rates for Agenda for Change bands. For example, Band 6 (entry) pays £24.52 per hour, equating to £47,951 annually at 37.5 hours per week [NHS Employers]. These rates are relevant for nurses, paramedics, and other clinical staff who may work alongside doctors.

London Weighting and Additional Payments

Doctors working in London receive a London weighting allowance: £11,673 per year (higher rate) or £5,837 per year (lower rate) [NHS Employers Pay and Conditions Circular]. This is paid on top of basic salary and is not pensionable. Additionally, resident doctors (foundation and specialist trainees) receive:

• Weekend allowance: if rostered to work at least 1 in 8 weekends, a percentage of basic salary.
• Night enhancement: 37% extra for hours worked between 8pm and 6am.
• On-call availability allowance: paid for being available to work.

These extras mean that a doctor’s total earnings can be significantly higher than basic salary. The NHS Staff Earnings Estimates for June 2026 show mean annual non-basic pay per person of £5,615 [NHS Digital].

Part-Time and Less-Than-Full-Time Doctors

Many doctors work less than full-time (LTFT) for training or personal reasons. Their salary is pro-rata based on the full-time equivalent. For example, a consultant working 60% of full-time would receive 60% of the basic salary. Additionally, LTFT doctors receive an annual allowance of £1,000 (paid monthly) [NHS Employers Pay and Conditions Circular]. When converting an hourly rate for a part-time role, use the actual contracted hours per week and multiply by 52.

Using the Hourly to Salary Calculator

To quickly convert any hourly rate to an annual salary, use our Hourly to Salary calculator. Enter your hourly rate and weekly hours to see the yearly equivalent. For more detailed comparisons of NHS pay bands, visit our salary data page.

Caveats and Considerations

• Overtime and unsocial hours: Many doctors work beyond their contracted hours. The basic salary does not include overtime, which is often paid at enhanced rates.
• Regional variations: Pay scales in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may differ slightly. Always check the relevant NHS board.
• Tax and National Insurance: The figures quoted are gross (before tax). Use the GOV.UK tax calculator to estimate net pay.
• Contract type: Doctors on the 2002 consultant contract or pre-2021 specialty contracts have different pay structures. The 2026/27 increases apply to all, but the base scales vary.

Summary

Understanding doctors salary UK requires looking beyond the headline annual figure. By converting to an hourly rate using the standard 40-hour week, you can better compare roles and plan your finances. Remember to factor in London weighting, unsocial hours enhancements, and any allowances. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the NHS Employers website and official pay circulars.

For further reading, explore our salary articles on NHS pay bands and career progression.