Understanding the UK Doctor Salary per Month

When researching a career in medicine or negotiating a new role, knowing the UK doctor salary per month is essential. NHS doctor pay is structured by grade and experience, with basic salaries set nationally and additional allowances for unsocial hours, on-call duties, and London weighting. This guide breaks down the latest figures for 2026/27, explains how to convert hourly rates to annual and monthly pay, and highlights regional differences.

NHS Doctor Pay Grades and Monthly Basic Salaries

Doctors in England are employed under national terms and conditions, with pay scales updated each April. From 1 April 2026, the following basic annual salaries apply (source: Health Careers):

• Foundation doctors (years 1–2): £41,226 to £47,610 per year. Monthly basic pay ranges from approximately £3,436 to £3,968.
• Specialist training doctors (core and higher training): £55,355 rising to £77,348 per year. Monthly basic pay ranges from about £4,613 to £6,446.
• Specialty doctors (2021 contract): £63,696 to £102,689 per year. Monthly basic pay: £5,308 to £8,557.
• Specialist grade doctors: £104,401 to £115,341 per year. Monthly basic pay: £8,700 to £9,612.
• Consultants: £113,565 to £150,569 per year, depending on length of service. Monthly basic pay: £9,464 to £12,547.
• Salaried GPs: £78,699 to £118,759 per year. Monthly basic pay: £6,558 to £9,897.

These are basic salaries only. Most doctors receive additional payments that can significantly increase their monthly take-home pay.

Enhancements and Allowances

Doctors are compensated for working outside standard hours. The Pay and Conditions Circular (M&D) 1/2026 outlines:

• Night shifts: 37% enhancement on basic pay for hours worked between 8pm and 6am.
• Weekend work: a weekend allowance paid as a percentage of basic salary, depending on frequency of weekend shifts.
• On-call availability allowance: paid to doctors required to be available on-call, calculated based on the rota.
• London weighting: doctors working in London receive £11,673 per year (higher rate) or £5,837 per year (lower rate), paid monthly.
• Less-than-full-time training allowance: £1,000 per year for doctors training part-time.

These allowances mean that a foundation doctor’s monthly pay could be substantially higher than the basic figure, especially if they work frequent nights and weekends.

Regional Variations in Doctor Pay

While basic salaries are set nationally, London weighting creates a clear regional difference. Doctors in inner London receive the higher rate, while those in outer London receive the lower rate. Outside London, no weighting is paid. However, cost of living differences mean that take-home pay in London may not stretch as far.

NHS Digital’s Staff Earnings Estimates for June 2026 show that the mean annual basic pay per full-time equivalent for medical and dental staff was £56,136. This average reflects the mix of grades across England. For more detailed regional breakdowns, see our salary data page.

Converting Hourly Rates to Monthly Salary

If you are offered an hourly rate for a locum or part-time role, you can estimate the monthly salary using a standard full-time week. For doctors, full-time is typically 40 hours per week (though some contracts define 37.5). The conversion formula is:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks

Monthly salary ≈ annual salary ÷ 12

For example, a locum doctor earning £45 per hour working 40 hours per week would have an annual equivalent of £45 × 40 × 52 = £93,600, or about £7,800 per month before tax. Remember that locum rates often include payment in lieu of holiday and pension, so your net position may differ from a salaried role.

Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to convert any hourly rate to annual and monthly figures.

Seniority and Progression

Doctor pay increases with experience and promotion. Foundation doctors progress to specialist training, then to specialty doctor or consultant roles. Consultants can apply for Clinical Excellence Awards and Clinical Impact Awards, which add to basic pay. The NHS Employers pay scales show that a consultant at the top of the scale earns £150,569 per year, or about £12,547 per month basic.

For more insights on how different roles compare, read our salary articles covering NHS pay bands and career progression.

Important Caveats

• Basic salary figures exclude enhancements, overtime, and allowances. Actual monthly pay can be 20–40% higher for doctors working frequent unsocial hours.
• London weighting is taxable and subject to National Insurance.
• Part-time doctors receive a pro-rata salary; monthly pay is adjusted accordingly.
• Tax, pension contributions, and student loan repayments reduce net monthly income.
• Always check your contract and official GOV.UK guidance for the most accurate figures.

Understanding the UK doctor salary per month requires looking beyond the basic annual figure. With enhancements and location allowances, a doctor’s take-home pay can vary significantly. Use the resources above to calculate your expected earnings and plan your finances.