Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: NHS Junior / Resident Doctor Contract (England, 2016). Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27): £41,226 to £77,348, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 7/10/2026.
- Lost pay is your pay before the break multiplied by its length. No pay awards, steps up the scale or allowances are added.
- Re-entry pay is the nodal point you choose on return: 0 is FY1 (£41,226) and 4 is ST3 (£67,325).
- Resident doctors usually take time out of training as an approved out of programme (OOP) period, agreed with the postgraduate dean. AfC section 34 (employment break scheme) also applies through Schedule 14 of the 2016 contract.
Career Break Impact Calculator
EnglandNHS resident / junior doctor contract (2016), not Agenda for ChangeFramework from 1/4/2026
Loading calculator…
Guide for Junior Doctor
This guide helps Junior Doctor at NHS plan unpaid or non-paid breaks and illustrative re-entry pay on Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27). Parental leave has separate rules; use the Maternity and Paternity calculator for enhanced pay during leave.
Career breaks for Junior Doctor
A career break, sabbatical or extended unpaid leave may mean no salary for a period. For Junior Doctor on Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27) at NHS, re-entry pay depends on employer policy: some protect your spine point after agreed leave, others place returners at the bottom of the band.
Planning a break
A career break, sabbatical or extended leave may mean no salary for a period. Re-entry pay depends on employer policy: some protect your spine point, others place you at the bottom of the band. Pension and continuous service rules vary by scheme.
Parental leave
Maternity, adoption and shared parental leave have separate statutory and contractual rules. Use the Maternity and Paternity calculator for typical enhanced pay; this tool focuses on unpaid or unpaid-adjacent breaks and re-entry salary.
Example scenario
Example: a 1-year break from £41,226 costs £41,226 in gross pay, returning at FY1, point 0 on the nodal scale. The calculator opens on 2 years (£82,452).
| Pay before break (example) | £41,226 |
|---|---|
| Break length (example) | 1 year |
| Illustrative lost gross earnings | £41,226 |
| Re-entry (cautious) | Bottom of Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27) |
Frequently asked questions
What would a career break cost me?
At £41,226, about £41,226 for 1 year, £82,452 for 2 years and £206,130 for 5 years, in gross pay. Your take-home loss is smaller, because tax, National Insurance and pension contributions stop too.
Does it allow for the pay rises I would have had?
No. It multiplies your pay before the break by its length. On the nodal scale the next point, £47,610, comes with the next training grade, not with time in the band, and pay awards would have added more.
Where will I come back on the pay scale?
On the nodal point for your training grade when you come back, since pay follows the grade you are training at.
Does a career break affect my pension?
Usually, yes. An unpaid break builds no pension in a career average scheme, because your pension builds on the pay you earn. Ask your scheme whether you can pay to fill the gap.
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.
About this role
What is a Junior Doctor?
A Junior Doctor is a doctor in postgraduate training (foundation, core or specialty). They work under supervision in hospitals and community, with pay on the national junior doctor contract (England) or equivalent.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Junior doctor roles offer rapid learning and variety. Pay and conditions depend on grade, rotation and contract. Progression is through training to CCT and consultant or GP.
What if I take a career break?
Returning after a break can affect pay and spine position. Use the calculator above to see illustrative re-entry pay and lost earnings.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.