Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: NHS Consultant Contract (England, 2003). Consultant (2003 contract): £113,565 to £150,569, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 7/10/2026.
- How we model progression: Many UK public sector pay scales use spine points (fixed salary steps within a band). Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection (e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point)). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross. We don't deduct UK tax, National Insurance or pension.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by UK employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer, so treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Pay Progression Calculator
EnglandNHS consultant contract (England 2003), not Agenda for ChangeFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Consultant
This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Consultant at NHS on Consultant (2003 contract) under NHS Consultant Contract (England, 2003). Use the calculator on this page for illustrative figures; confirm spine points and progression dates with your employer.
Pay progression for Consultant
As Consultant at NHS, pay is usually set under NHS Consultant Contract (England, 2003). Our dataset typically maps this role to Consultant (2003 contract); your actual grade may differ. On the 2003 consultant contract, basic pay moves through seniority thresholds (not AfC bands). Clinical awards and extra programmed activities are separate.
Typical progression for Consultant
Consultants progress through 2003-contract pay thresholds (and additional programmed activities or awards where applicable). Use the pay table for basic salary thresholds; confirm CEA/CIA and extras with your trust.
What to enter in the calculator
Choose your current band or grade, then set how many years you have already been on that band. That sets your starting point on the scale. Select how many years ahead you want to project. The tool shows year-by-year gross pay and total earnings over the period.
What this does not include
The projection uses base band pay only. It does not add allowances (London weighting, unsocial hours, TLR, HCAS), overtime, or non-consolidated awards. Tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted: all figures are gross.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Band / grade | Consultant (2003 contract) |
|---|---|
| Years already in band | 0 |
| Gross pay now (example) | £113,565 |
| Gross pay after 5 years (example) | £123,672 |
| Projection period | 5 years |
Frequently asked questions
What does this Consultant pay progression calculator do?
It projects gross basic pay over a number of years for an NHS Consultant on the England 2003 consultant contract, not Agenda for Change. It follows published pay thresholds from the medical and dental pay circular. Clinical awards and extra programmed activities are not included. Confirm with NHS Employers or the BMA.
How does consultant pay progression work?
Consultants progress through seniority thresholds on the 2003 contract (for example after set years of consultant service), not AfC spine points. Threshold values are set in Pay and Conditions Circulars (M&D). Local extras and awards sit on top of basic pay.
What is included and left out?
We model basic pay thresholds only. Clinical Excellence or Impact Awards, extra Programmed Activities, on-call and London weighting are not included.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
All figures are gross (before tax, National Insurance and pension) unless the page says otherwise. Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
Where can I get official consultant pay information?
NHS Employers medical and dental pay circulars, the BMA consultant pay pages, and your trust medical staffing or HR team.
How often is the pay data updated?
We update datasets after major awards. Treat figures as illustrative and confirm the current circular with NHS Employers or the BMA.
About this role
What is a Consultant?
A Consultant is a senior doctor who has completed specialty training (CCT or equivalent). They lead clinical care, train juniors and often hold management or research roles. Pay is on the national consultant contract (England) or equivalent, not Agenda for Change.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Consultant roles offer clinical leadership, autonomy and high impact. Pay and satisfaction depend on specialty, contract and additional work. Progression to clinical director, medical director or academic roles is common.
Are there progression routes?
Consultants progress through 2003-contract pay thresholds (and additional programmed activities or awards where applicable). Use the pay table for basic salary thresholds; confirm CEA/CIA and extras with your trust.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.