salary
⏱ 2 min read
📅 Updated May 2026
Average Doctor Salary UK 2026: NHS Pay by Grade
Average doctor salary UK 2026 — from £32,398 FY1 to £126,000+ consultant. Full NHS pay breakdown.
⚡ Average Doctor Salary UK 2026 — Updated April 2026
Average: £70,000/year | Range: £32,000–£120,000+ | Entry: £32,398 (FY1 foundation year) | Senior: £93,000–£120,000+ (consultant) |
The average doctor salary in the UK varies significantly by experience, location, sector, and employer size. This guide covers the full salary range, regional differences, and what affects pay in 2026. Average Doctor Salary UK 2026| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|
| Entry level (0–2 years) | £32,398 (FY1 foundation year) | Graduate / newly qualified | | Mid-level (2–5 years) | £58,000–£80,000 (registrar) | Experienced practitioner | | Senior (5–10 years) | £93,000–£120,000+ (consultant) | Senior / specialist | | Senior+ / Management | £120,000+ | Head of / Director level |
Salary by Region UK 2026| Region | Typical Salary Range | vs National Average |
|---|
| London | £10,000–£20,000 above average | Highest — cost of living premium | | South East | £5,000–£10,000 above average | Strong demand | | Midlands | Around national average | — | | North of England | £2,000–£5,000 below average | Lower cost of living | | Scotland | Around national average | Public sector strong | | Wales / N. Ireland | £3,000–£6,000 below average | Lowest regional rates |
What Affects Your Salary?- Grade — Foundation, registrar, consultant pay scales differ enormously
- Specialty — Surgery, anaesthetics, and radiology typically pay more than GP
- NHS vs private — Private practice can significantly supplement NHS income
- Location — London weighting applies to NHS grades
- Additional PAs (Programmed Activities) — Extra sessions beyond standard contract
What is the average doctor salary in the UK?Junior doctors (FY1) start at £32,398. Registrars earn £40,000–£58,000 depending on grade and specialty. GP partners earn £60,000–£100,000+. NHS consultants earn £93,666–£126,281 on the 2023 contract. Private practice can add significantly to NHS income. How much do NHS consultants earn?NHS consultants earn £93,666–£126,281 on the 2023 consultant contract (implemented 2024). Additional Programmed Activities (PAs) beyond the standard 10 PAs/week can increase earnings further. Private practice can add £20,000–£100,000+ on top of NHS salary. How much do GPs earn in the UK?GP partners typically earn £60,000–£100,000+ depending on their practice size, list size, and additional roles. Salaried GPs earn approximately £40,000–£70,000. GP income has been a significant political issue — earnings have been under pressure due to rising practice costs. Sources: NHS Medical and Dental pay scales 2026 · BMA pay scales guide · NHS Employers consultant contract 2023 · General Medical Council — doctor registration data |
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The content on Kaeltripton.com is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal or regulatory advice. Kaeltripton.com is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is not a financial adviser, mortgage broker, insurance intermediary or investment firm. Nothing on this site should be construed as a personal recommendation. Rates, figures and product details are indicative only, subject to change without notice, and should always be verified directly with the relevant provider, HMRC, the FCA register, the Bank of England, Ofgem or other appropriate authority before any financial decision is made. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. If you require regulated financial advice, please consult a qualified adviser authorised by the FCA.
CT
Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com
Chandraketu (CK) Tripathi, founder and lead editor of Kael Tripton. 22 years in finance and marketing across 23 markets. Writes on UK personal finance, tax, mortgages, insurance, energy, and investing. Sources: HMRC, FCA, Ofgem, BoE, ONS.
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