Curious about how much junior doctors earn in the UK? Understanding the financial aspects of a medical career is crucial, especially when starting as an NHS junior doctor. From Foundation Year 1 (FY1) to Junior Clinical Fellow (JCF), salaries are determined by structured NHS pay scales that reflect experience and responsibility.
However, gross pay doesn’t tell the full story—tax deductions, National Insurance, and NHS pension contributions significantly impact take-home pay.
In this guide, we’ll explore the junior doctor salary after tax for 2025, breaking down monthly earnings for FY1, FY2, Junior Clinical Fellows (JCF), and SHOs. We’ll also discuss factors like location adjustments, overtime, and how additional earnings can boost income.
Whether you’re planning your career or navigating the complexities of NHS pay scales, this comprehensive guide will give you a clear understanding of what to expect.
What Is a Junior Doctor?
Junior doctors are medical professionals who are in the early stages of their careers, gaining practical experience while contributing to patient care.
In the NHS, this includes doctors in Foundation Year 1 (FY1), Foundation Year 2 (FY2), Junior Clinical Fellows (JCF), and Senior House Officers (SHO). Each role carries distinct responsibilities and offers salaries aligned with NHS pay scales, which are updated regularly to reflect career progression.
Foundation Year 1 (FY1) and Foundation Year 2 (FY2)
- Foundation Training: FY1 and FY2 doctors form the foundation of the NHS. FY1 doctors are in their first year of postgraduate training, while FY2 represents the second year. These roles focus on supervised patient care, performing clinical tasks, and honing medical skills.
- Salaries: In 2025, the starting junior doctor salary for FY1 doctors is approximately £30,000–£32,000 annually, with FY2 doctors earning slightly more, around £36,000–£38,000. These figures are before deductions like income tax and pension contributions.
- Progression: Foundation years prepare doctors for specialty training, with increased pay and responsibility as they advance.
Junior Clinical Fellows (JCF)
- Non-Training Role: JCFs are doctors who have completed foundation training but are not currently in a structured training program. This role is particularly common among international medical graduates (IMGs) looking to gain experience in the NHS.
- Pay Structure: JCFs earn a competitive salary, typically ranging between £40,000 and £45,000 annually, depending on the trust and location. Overtime and locum shifts further boost their earnings.
- Flexibility: This position offers flexibility, allowing doctors to explore specialties before committing to a training program while earning a steady income.
Senior House Officers (SHO)
- Intermediate Role: SHO positions are held by doctors who have progressed beyond foundation training or JCFs in a comparable role. SHOs are key team members in managing patient care, handling acute cases, and supporting consultants.
- Earnings: In 2025, SHOs can expect a salary of £42,000 to £48,000 annually, influenced by unsocial hours and overtime.
- Responsibilities: While SHOs have more autonomy than FY1 or FY2 doctors, they still operate under consultant supervision, bridging the gap between junior and senior roles.
NHS Pay Scales for Junior Doctors in 2025
Understanding the NHS pay scales for junior doctors in 2025 is crucial for anyone starting their medical career. Salaries for FY1, FY2, Junior Clinical Fellows (JCF), and Senior House Officers (SHO) follow a structured system that accounts for training levels, responsibilities, and additional earnings like overtime.
Here’s how the junior doctor salary breaks down this year.
| Role | Pay Type | Annual Salary (£) | Monthly Salary (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY1 (Training) | Nodal Point 1 | 36,616 | 3,051.33 |
| FY2 (Training) | Nodal Point 2 | 42,008 | 3,500.67 |
| FY1 (Non-Training) | Pay Point 1 | 32,082 | 2,673.50 |
| FY1 (Non-Training) | Pay Point 2 | 33,936 | 2,828.00 |
| FY1 (Non-Training) | Pay Point 3 | 35,790 | 2,982.50 |
| FY2 (Non-Training) | Pay Point 1 | 39,222 | 3,268.50 |
| FY2 (Non-Training) | Pay Point 2 | 41,632 | 3,469.33 |
| FY2 (Non-Training) | Pay Point 3 | 44,041 | 3,670.08 |
| JCF (Non-Training) | Fixed Pay | 49,559 | 4,129.92 |
Foundation Year 1 (FY1) Salary
- Base Salary: FY1 doctors earn a starting salary of approximately £30,000–£32,000 annually. This figure represents gross pay and forms the foundation of their income as they begin their NHS journey.
- Additional Pay: Overtime and unsocial hours provide opportunities to boost income. For example, an FY1 doctor working weekend shifts can see their total gross earnings increase significantly.
- Hourly Pay: FY1 hourly rates are determined by NHS pay bands and vary based on on-call shifts and night hours.
Foundation Year 2 (FY2) Salary
- Base Salary: FY2 doctors earn between £36,000 and £38,000 annually. This increase reflects their advanced responsibilities compared to FY1 doctors, including supervising juniors and handling more complex cases.
- Extra Income: Unsocial hours and additional shifts can further enhance the take-home pay for FY2 doctors. Many opt for locum shifts, which offer higher hourly rates.
- Monthly Earnings: After factoring in deductions, FY2 doctors’ monthly earnings are competitive, particularly for those in high-demand specialties.
Junior Clinical Fellows (JCF) Salary
- Base Salary: JCFs, who typically fill non-training roles after foundation training, earn £40,000–£45,000 annually.
- Additional Earnings: JCFs often work locum shifts or overtime to significantly boost their income. Their hourly pay during locum shifts is higher than standard contracts, making this an attractive option.
- Flexibility: JCF roles are popular among international medical graduates (IMGs) as they offer flexibility and higher earning potential.
Senior House Officers (SHO) Salary
- Base Salary: SHOs earn between £42,000 and £48,000 annually. This pay reflects their increased autonomy and responsibilities, including managing acute cases and leading junior teams.
- Overtime Potential: Many SHOs benefit from extra income through unsocial hours and on-call shifts, especially in specialties like surgery and emergency medicine.
- Earning Comparisons: SHO salaries are comparable to junior registrars in certain specialties, depending on their workload and shift patterns.
Factors That Impact Gross Pay
- Location Adjustments:
Junior doctors working in London or other high-cost living areas receive London Weighting, which adds approximately £3,000–£4,000 annually to their gross salary. - Specialty Variations:
Doctors in specialties requiring frequent on-call hours, such as A&E, often earn more due to additional allowances and overtime pay. - Recent NHS Pay Adjustments:
In 2025, the NHS implemented pay scale updates negotiated by the BMA. These changes ensure that junior doctors are compensated fairly for their contributions.
Junior Doctor Salary After Tax in 2025
While the gross salary for junior doctors is an important starting point, it’s the take-home pay after tax deductions that truly matters. Income tax, National Insurance, and NHS pension contributions significantly reduce the amount deposited into a doctor’s bank account each month.
Here’s a breakdown of how these deductions affect the junior doctor salary for FY1, FY2, JCF, and SHO roles in 2025.
Income Tax Deductions
- Tax Bands for 2025: Junior doctors in the UK are subject to income tax based on progressive tax bands:
- Personal Allowance: The first £12,570 of income is tax-free.
- Basic Rate (20%): Income between £12,571 and £50,270 is taxed at 20%.
- Higher Rate (40%): Income over £50,271 is taxed at 40%.
- FY1 Example: An FY1 doctor earning £30,000 annually pays income tax only on the portion above £12,570, amounting to approximately £3,500 per year.
National Insurance Contributions
- What Is National Insurance?
National Insurance (NI) contributions fund social security benefits, such as pensions and healthcare. - Rates for 2025:
- Primary Threshold: Earnings up to £12,570 are exempt from NI contributions.
- 12% Rate: Earnings between £12,571 and £50,270 are subject to a 12% NI deduction.
- 2% Rate: Income over £50,271 is subject to a 2% deduction.
- Impact on Junior Doctors: For FY1 and FY2 doctors, NI deductions typically range from £2,000 to £3,000 annually.
NHS Pension Contributions
- What Is the NHS Pension Scheme?
The NHS pension scheme provides retirement benefits for junior doctors. Contributions are deducted directly from gross salary. - Rates for Junior Doctors:
- Contribution rates range from 9.3% to 12.5%, depending on annual salary.
- For an FY1 doctor earning £30,000, pension contributions are approximately £2,800 annually.
Monthly Take-Home Pay for Junior Doctors in 2025
After all deductions, the monthly take-home pay for junior doctors is significantly lower than the gross junior doctor salary.
- FY1 Example:
- Gross salary: £30,000/year (~£2,500/month).
- Deductions: ~£700/month (income tax, NI, and pension).
- Take-Home Pay: ~£1,800/month.
- FY2 Example:
- Gross salary: £36,000/year (~£3,000/month).
- Deductions: ~£900/month.
- Take-Home Pay: ~£2,100/month.
Additional Earnings for Junior Doctors
While the base junior doctor salary forms the foundation of a doctor’s income, additional earnings such as overtime, unsocial hours pay, and locum shifts can significantly enhance their take-home pay. These extra opportunities allow FY1, FY2, JCF, and SHO doctors to increase their monthly income beyond what is outlined in the NHS pay scales.
Overtime and Unsocial Hours
- What Are Unsocial Hours?
Unsocial hours refer to shifts worked outside standard working times, such as nights, weekends, and public holidays. These hours are compensated at a higher rate than standard pay. - Overtime Pay Rates:
- NHS junior doctors earn overtime for hours exceeding their contracted hours.
- For example, an FY1 doctor working extra night shifts could earn an additional £10–£15 per hour, depending on the trust and location.
- Impact on Take-Home Pay:
Doctors who consistently take on overtime shifts can see their junior doctor salary increase by 10–20%, depending on the number of extra hours worked.
Locum Shifts
- What Are Locum Shifts?
Locum work involves covering shifts temporarily at different hospitals or departments. This work is typically paid at higher hourly rates than standard NHS contracts. - Earning Potential:
- FY1 locum rates range from £25 to £35 per hour.
- FY2 and JCF locum rates can exceed £40 per hour, depending on demand and specialty.
- Flexibility:
Locum shifts allow doctors to pick and choose their working hours, making it a popular option for boosting income while maintaining work-life balance.
London Weighting
- What Is London Weighting?
Junior doctors working in London or other high-cost living areas receive additional payments to offset the higher cost of living. - Earnings Boost:
London Weighting typically adds £3,000–£4,000 annually to the junior doctor salary, depending on the trust and region.
Specialty-Specific Opportunities
- High-Demand Specialties:
Doctors in specialties like A&E or surgery often have more opportunities for on-call work and unsocial hours, resulting in higher overall earnings. - Additional Allowances:
Some specialties may offer incentives or bonuses for high-demand roles, further increasing income potential.
Monthly Take-Home Pay with Additional Earnings
With extra earnings, the monthly take-home pay for junior doctors can rise significantly:
- FY1 Example:
- Base take-home pay: ~£1,800/month.
- Additional earnings: ~£400–£600/month from overtime and locum work.
- Total Take-Home Pay: ~£2,200–£2,400/month.
- FY2 Example:
- Base take-home pay: ~£2,100/month.
- Additional earnings: ~£500–£800/month.
- Total Take-Home Pay: ~£2,600–£2,900/month.
FAQs
What is a junior doctor salary in the UK?
The junior doctor salary in the UK varies by level of training. In 2025, FY1 doctors earn a starting salary of £30,000–£32,000 annually, while FY2 doctors earn £36,000–£38,000. Additional earnings from unsocial hours, overtime, and location allowances can boost this income.
What is a GP salary with the NHS?
General Practitioners (GPs) earn significantly more than junior doctors. On average, NHS-employed GPs earn between £60,000 and £90,000 annually. Independent contractor GPs can earn even more, depending on their patient list size and practice responsibilities.
What band is a junior doctor in the NHS?
Junior doctors are not assigned to traditional NHS Agenda for Change bands. Instead, their salaries are determined by a separate NHS pay scale, which takes into account training levels (e.g., FY1, FY2) and additional responsibilities.
Did junior doctors accept a 22% pay rise?
Yes, junior doctors negotiated a 22% pay rise spread over several years to address pay stagnation and increased living costs. This adjustment aims to make the junior doctor salary competitive and fair.
What is the dropout rate for junior doctors?
The dropout rate varies, but studies suggest around 10–15% of junior doctors leave training programs or the NHS entirely due to work-life balance challenges, burnout, or alternative career opportunities.
Are junior doctors underpaid?
The salary of a Junior Doctor, such as FY2, is roughly £2100 per month. After the taxes, rent, groceries, travel, pension, national insurance and any other extra expense, a junior doctor is hardly left with anything in the UK. While many try to argue that this can be covered with additional earnings like overtime and locum shifts can help mitigate this concern, the taxes simultaneously increase as well.
At the end of the day, a junior doctor struggles to create a financially stable future, the solution to which is only career progression.
How many hours do junior doctors work a week in the UK?
Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors earn between £51,000 and £80,000 annually, depending on their experience, specialty, and additional work responsibilities.
Is a junior doctor a real doctor?
I am unsure why people even google this, but regardless, it is a big yes. A junior doctor is a fully qualified medical professional who has completed medical school. They are in the training phase of their career, gaining hands-on experience in patient care.
Can a junior doctor be a GP?
Yes, junior doctors can pursue a career as a GP by completing the three-year General Practice Specialty Training (GPST) program after their foundation training.
This is through MSRA exam after which you receive an offer based on rank.
Do junior doctors get free accommodation?
Junior doctors no longer receive free accommodation as a standard benefit. However, some hospitals may offer subsidized or on-site accommodation for newly qualified doctors.
For example, I used to pay £650 initially when I was living alone in the hospital accomodation. Now, I pay £1100 as I live with my wife in the family accomodation provided by the hospital. No pun intended. Still way too lower than renting out a house out.
Do junior doctors get days off?
Unless we are not treated as zombies, yes, junior doctors have scheduled days off as part of their NHS contract. Their work schedules comply with the European Working Time Directive, ensuring adequate rest periods.
How long do doctors stay as junior doctors?
Doctors typically remain junior doctors for 5–10 years, depending on their chosen specialty. Foundation training lasts two years, followed by specialty or GP training, which can take another three to eight years.
Are junior doctor breaks paid?
Yes, junior doctor breaks are paid, provided they are taken during on-duty hours as part of the scheduled workday. However, the intensity of shifts can sometimes make it challenging to take breaks.
How much does a GP earn in the UK?
NHS-employed GPs earn between £60,000 and £90,000 annually. Independent GPs can earn higher salaries based on their workload and patient list size.
There is a cheesy bonus for Consultant Psychiatrists going on if you ever noticed the trac jobs carefully. I wonder if this should be the next career choice.
Can I train to be a doctor at 40?
Yes, age is no barrier to pursuing a medical career in the UK. Many individuals enter medical school later in life, bringing valuable life experiences to the profession.
Is it hard to be a junior doctor?
Being a junior doctor can be challenging due to long hours, demanding responsibilities, and emotional stress. However, it is also a rewarding career, offering opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
But to be honest, the uncertainty of the future is the biggest magnet for depression in a junior doctor life.
