Overview
UK resident doctors are employed under the 2016 Junior Doctors Contract (England) or equivalent devolved contracts. Pay is set nationally with additional supplements for out-of-hours work, intensity and hours.
NHS Salary Scales 2024 (England)
Note: Salary scales are subject to annual pay review. Always verify current figures at NHS Employers (nhsemployers.org) or BMA guidance.
| Grade | Basic Salary (pa) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year 1 (F1) | £32,398 | + nodal supplements |
| Foundation Year 2 (F2) | £37,303 | + nodal supplements |
| Core / Specialty Trainee (CT/ST1-2) | £43,923 | + supplements |
| Specialty Trainee (ST3-8) | £55,329 – £63,152 | + supplements |
| SAS / Specialty & Associate Specialist | £52,530 – £83,149 | Separate contract |
Pay supplements (typically 20–50% of basic) are added for: additional hours beyond 40/week, weekend working frequency, and work intensity (where applicable).
Locum Work
Resident doctors in the UK can undertake locum work — additional clinical shifts in NHS or independent sector hospitals, typically paid at hourly rates substantially above basic pay.
- NHS locum rates: typically £40–80/hour (SHO level), £60–120/hour (registrar level)
- Agency/independent sector rates vary and can be higher
- Locum income is self-employed; you must register for Self Assessment with HMRC
- Ensure your medical indemnity covers locum work (check MDU, MPS, MDDUS)
- Keep records of all locum income; allowable expenses include medical equipment and courses
NHS Pension
All NHS employees are automatically enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme (NHSPS). As of 2023, all members are in the 2015 Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme.
- Employee contributions: 5.1% – 12.5% of pensionable pay (tiered by earnings)
- Employer contributions: 23.7% — significantly higher than most private sector pensions
- Benefits: defined benefit (DB) — exceptionally valuable in today's market
- Annual Allowance (AA): currently £60,000/year — monitor if pensionable earnings are high
- Opting out is almost always financially suboptimal for resident doctors
UK Tax Basics
- Personal Allowance: £12,570 (tax-free, 2024–25)
- Basic Rate (20%): £12,571 – £50,270
- Higher Rate (40%): £50,271 – £125,140
- Additional Rate (45%): above £125,140
- Personal Allowance tapers above £100,000 — SIPP contributions can help
- National Insurance: Class 1 contributions apply to employment income
Financial Planning Tips
- Stay in the NHS Pension — the employer contribution makes it outstanding value
- Consider a Stocks & Shares ISA (£20,000/year allowance) once emergency fund is established
- Locum earnings: consider a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) for tax-efficient savings
- Build 3–6 months of living expenses as an emergency fund before investing
- The BMA Financial Advice Line offers free initial guidance for BMA members