NHS doctors’ pay is set nationally through the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body and negotiations with the BMA, and it differs by nation. Because pay scales are updated frequently, we do not publish figures here.
- Check the BMA pay scales and the NHS Employers pages for the current year.
- Most NHS doctors join the NHS Pension Scheme automatically.
- Contracts differ for resident doctors, SAS doctors, consultants and GPs; the BMA provides contract checking.
Questions to ask about any contract
- Is pay based on a national scale or locally negotiated, and what is the basic salary versus the banding for out-of-hours work?
- How are hours monitored, and how do I raise a rota or exception report?
- What study leave and study budget do I receive, and how do I claim exam fees?
- Who is my employer for training posts (a lead employer or the host trust), and who handles payroll and occupational health?
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.