Resident Doctor Salary 2026/27: A Complete Guide

Understanding the resident doctor salary for 2026/27 is essential for both current trainees and those considering a medical career in the NHS. This article explains the latest pay scales, how to convert annual salaries to hourly rates, and what additional allowances you can expect.

What Is a Resident Doctor?

Resident doctors are qualified doctors in training, including foundation year doctors (FY1 and FY2) and specialty trainees (ST1–ST8). They work in hospitals and community settings, often with irregular hours including nights and weekends. Their pay is determined by national NHS contracts, with recent reforms agreed between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA).

2026/27 Pay Scales for Resident Doctors

From 1 April 2026, new pay scales apply following the DDRB recommendation of 3.5% and additional nodal point reforms. The basic annual salaries are:

• Foundation Year 1 (FY1): £41,226 (up 6.2% from 2025/26)
• Foundation Year 2 (FY2): £47,610 (up 7.1%)
• ST1/CT1 (nodal point 3a): £55,355
• ST2/CT2 (nodal point 3b): £55,355
• ST3/CT3 (nodal point 4a): £67,325
• ST4/CT4 (nodal point 4b): £67,998
• ST5 (nodal point 4c): £67,998
• ST6 (nodal point 5a): £76,582
• ST7 (nodal point 5b): £77,348
• ST8 (nodal point 5c): £77,348

These figures come from the GOV.UK government offer to resident doctors and the NHS Employers pay scales. Note that progression through nodal points is linked to achieving competencies at annual ARCP reviews, not automatic yearly increments.

Converting Annual Salary to Hourly Rate

To find the basic hourly rate, divide the annual salary by the number of contracted hours per week multiplied by 52 weeks. For resident doctors, the standard full-time contract is 40 hours per week, but many calculations use 37.5 hours for comparison with other NHS staff. Using 37.5 hours:

• FY1: £41,226 ÷ (37.5 × 52) = £21.13 per hour
• FY2: £47,610 ÷ (37.5 × 52) = £24.42 per hour
• ST7/ST8: £77,348 ÷ (37.5 × 52) = £39.67 per hour

If using 40 hours per week, the rates are slightly lower: FY1 = £19.82/hr, FY2 = £22.89/hr, ST7/ST8 = £37.19/hr.

Remember, these are basic rates only. Resident doctors typically earn much more per hour when including enhancements for unsocial hours.

Additional Allowances and Enhancements

Resident doctors receive several extra payments on top of basic salary:

• Night work enhancement: 37% extra for hours worked between 8pm and 6am (or as defined in the contract).
• Weekend allowance: A percentage of basic salary for doctors rostered to work weekends at least 1 in 8 weekends.
• On-call availability allowance: Paid to doctors on on-call rotas.
• London weighting: A fixed allowance for those working in London (see NHS Employers circular).
• Less-than-full-time allowance: £1,000 per year for LTFT doctors.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care Media Centre, these extras can increase total earnings for FY1 doctors by an average of 26%. So an FY1 doctor might actually earn around £51,900 total, making the effective hourly rate closer to £26.60 (at 37.5 hours).

How to Use the Hourly to Salary Conversion

If you are a resident doctor offered an hourly rate (e.g., for locum work), you can estimate the annual equivalent using our Hourly to Salary tool. For a standard 37.5-hour week, multiply your hourly rate by 1,950 (37.5 × 52). For a 40-hour week, multiply by 2,080. Always check your contract for the exact hours basis.

Comparing Resident Doctor Pay to UK Averages

The UK median full-time gross annual pay is around £39,039 (2026/27), which equates to about £20.02 per hour at 37.5 hours. Even a first-year resident doctor's basic salary of £41,226 exceeds this median, and with enhancements, total earnings are substantially higher. The National Living Wage for those aged 21+ is £12.71 per hour (2026/27), so resident doctors earn well above the minimum.

Important Caveats

• Actual pay depends on your rota pattern, frequency of nights/weekends, and whether you work less than full time.
• The hourly rates above assume a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime. Resident doctors often work additional hours, but these are paid at enhanced rates.
• London weighting is not included in the basic salary figures; it is paid separately.
• Always check your contract and official guidance from and your trust.

For more detailed salary data across all NHS roles, visit our salary data page.

Summary

The resident doctor salary for 2026/27 ranges from £41,226 for FY1 to £77,348 for senior trainees. Converting to an hourly rate gives a basic figure of £21–£40 per hour depending on grade and hours assumption, but actual hourly earnings are significantly higher due to unsocial hours enhancements. Use our calculator to see your own conversion, and always refer to official NHS pay scales for the most accurate figures.