Understanding Junior Doctor Pay in the UK

When searching for "junior doctor salary UK", you'll find a range of figures that can be confusing. This article clarifies the real numbers for 2026/27, explains how hourly rates convert to annual salaries, and debunks common myths about overtime and allowances.

The Basics: Hourly Rates and Annual Salaries

Junior doctors (now officially called resident doctors) in England are paid according to national NHS pay scales. For 2026/27, the government accepted a 3.5% increase for doctors in training, along with a restructuring of the pay system from five nodal points to ten, aligned with training stages NHS Employers.

Basic pay for a first-year foundation doctor (FY1) starts at around £40,000 per year, based on a 40-hour week. Using the conversion rule of thumb — annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 — this gives an hourly rate of approximately £19.23. However, the BMA quotes a lower figure of £18.62 for FY1 doctors after the 2025/26 rise, reflecting the exact pay point The Gazette.

At the other end, a specialty registrar near the end of training can earn a basic salary of around £76,000, equating to roughly £36.54 per hour. The government expects the average full-time basic pay for resident doctors to be about £56,000 in 2026/27.

Myth 1: "Junior Doctors Earn £17 an Hour"

This claim often circulates on social media. It refers to the basic hourly rate for FY1 doctors before the 2025/26 pay rise — £17.56. After the rise, that figure increased to £18.62. But this is only for the lowest-paid 11% of junior doctors, and it excludes all additional earnings. Most resident doctors earn significantly more when overtime, unsocial hours, and allowances are included. The Nuffield Trust notes that total full-time earnings for a first-year doctor average around £41,300, and for specialty registrars about £71,300 Nuffield Trust.

Myth 2: "Annual Salary Equals Basic Pay Times Hours"

Many assume that if you multiply the hourly rate by 40 hours and 52 weeks, you get the annual salary. For junior doctors, this is misleading because basic pay is only part of the picture. The NHS contract includes additional payments for:

• Overtime (hours beyond 40 per week)
• Unsocial hours (nights, weekends, bank holidays)
• On-call duties
• Weekend allowances
• London weighting (Higher Cost Area Supplement)

These extras can add 30% or more to basic pay. The Gazette reports that resident doctors typically earn almost a third more than their basic salary from other sources.

Myth 3: "Overtime Is Paid at the Same Rate"

Overtime for junior doctors is not paid at the basic hourly rate. The 2016 contract introduced a system where additional hours are compensated through a combination of a basic salary that already includes some on-call and weekend work, plus supplements for extra duties. The exact rates depend on the grade and the type of work. For example, weekend allowances are paid separately, and on-call supplements are calculated based on the rota.

How to Convert Hourly to Annual for Junior Doctors

To estimate your annual salary from an hourly rate, use the formula:

Annual ≈ hourly rate × contracted hours per week × 52

For a junior doctor on a 40-hour week:

• £18.62/hour × 40 × 52 = £38,729.60 (close to FY1 basic)
• £36.54/hour × 40 × 52 = £76,003.20 (senior registrar)

But remember: this is basic pay only. To get a realistic total, add around 30% for overtime and allowances. Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to experiment with different hours and rates.

London Weighting and Other Allowances

Junior doctors in London receive a Higher Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) of 20% for inner London and 15% for outer London, applied to basic pay. This means a FY1 doctor in inner London could earn a basic salary of around £48,000, with total earnings potentially exceeding £60,000. The NHS Employers pay scales include HCAS rates for each band.

Conclusion

When researching "junior doctor salary UK", always distinguish between basic pay and total earnings. The 2026/27 pay award has increased basic rates by 3.5% and restructured pay points, but the real take-home pay depends on rota, location, and overtime. For the most accurate figures, refer to the official NHS Employers pay scales and your individual contract. For more UK salary benchmarks, visit our salary data page.

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Disclaimer: Hourly-to-salary figures assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime, bonus, tips, or salary sacrifice. Actual pay depends on rota, holiday pay method, London weighting, and overtime rules. Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance.