Average Doctor Salary in the UK (2026)
Doctors in the UK work primarily within the NHS (National Health Service) in public hospitals and clinics, though many also practice privately or combine both. The role involves diagnosing conditions, treating patients, performing procedures, and managing healthcare teams. According to NHS pay scales and BMA (British Medical Association) data for 2026, the national average doctor salary in the UK is approximately £85,000 per year. These figures represent gross annual salaries before tax and deductions, based on the latest 2026 NHS pay scales. Junior doctors typically start around £32,000-£40,000, while consultants can earn £88,000-£119,000 or more, with additional payments for on-call duties and private practice work.
Doctor Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
Below is a detailed breakdown of doctor salaries in the UK, showing how pay scales with experience and speciality:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (£) | Monthly (£) | Weekly (£) | Hourly (£)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year 1 (F1) | £32,398 - £34,012 | £2,700 - £2,834 | £623 - £654 | £15.58 - £16.35 |
| Foundation Year 2 (F2) | £37,303 - £39,026 | £3,109 - £3,252 | £717 - £751 | £17.93 - £18.77 |
| Specialty Registrar (ST1-3) | £40,257 - £53,398 | £3,355 - £4,450 | £774 - £1,027 | £19.35 - £25.67 |
| Specialty Registrar (ST4-8) | £55,329 - £63,152 | £4,611 - £5,263 | £1,064 - £1,214 | £26.60 - £30.35 |
| Consultant | £88,364 - £119,133 | £7,364 - £9,928 | £1,699 - £2,291 | £42.48 - £57.28 |
| GP Partner | £100,000 - £200,000+ | £8,333 - £16,667+ | £1,923 - £3,846+ | £48.08 - £96.15+ |
*Hourly rates calculated based on 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Actual hours may vary significantly, with many doctors working 48-60+ hours per week, particularly in training positions.
London vs Rest of UK
Doctor salaries in London are typically higher due to London weighting allowances and higher cost of living adjustments:
- Inner London: Base salary + 20% supplement (up to £6,000-£7,000)
- Outer London: Base salary + 15% supplement (up to £4,000-£5,000)
- Fringe London: Base salary + 5% supplement (up to £1,000-£2,000)
- Rest of UK: Standard NHS pay scale without additional weighting
For example, a Foundation Year 1 doctor in Inner London might earn £39,000-£41,000 compared to £32,000-£34,000 elsewhere in the UK. Consultants in London can earn £95,000-£126,000 compared to £88,000-£119,000 in other regions.
Factors Affecting Doctor Salaries
Several factors influence doctor pay in the UK:
- Speciality: Surgeons, anaesthetists, and radiologists typically earn more than general practitioners or psychiatrists
- Location: London weighting, regional variations, and urban vs rural settings
- On-Call Duties: Additional payments for evening, weekend, and night shifts
- Private Practice: Consultants can supplement NHS income with private work
- Clinical Excellence Awards: Performance-based bonuses for consultants
- GP Partnership: GP partners share practice profits, potentially earning significantly more than salaried GPs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for doctors in the UK?
Foundation Year 1 (F1) doctors typically start on £32,398-£34,012 per year. In Inner London, this increases to approximately £39,000-£41,000 due to London weighting allowances.
How much do consultants earn in the UK?
NHS consultants typically earn £88,364-£119,133 per year on the standard pay scale. This can increase with clinical excellence awards, on-call payments, and private practice work. Many consultants earn £120,000-£200,000+ when including all income sources.
Do doctors in London earn more?
Yes, doctors in London receive additional London weighting supplements. Inner London adds approximately 20% (up to £6,000-£7,000), Outer London adds 15% (up to £4,000-£5,000), and Fringe areas add 5% (up to £1,000-£2,000) to base salaries.
How does doctor pay compare to other professions?
Doctor salaries are among the highest in the UK. While starting salaries are competitive with other graduate professions, consultant and GP partner earnings (£88,000-£200,000+) place doctors in the top income brackets. Compare with other UK average salaries.