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.
- 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 resident / junior doctor contract (2016), not Agenda for ChangeFramework from 1/4/2026
Loading calculator…
Guide for Junior Doctor
This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Junior Doctor at NHS on Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27) under NHS Junior / Resident Doctor Contract (England, 2016). Use the calculator on this page for illustrative figures; confirm spine points and progression dates with your employer.
Pay progression for Junior Doctor
As Junior Doctor at NHS, pay is usually set under NHS Junior / Resident Doctor Contract (England, 2016). Our dataset typically maps this role to Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27); your actual grade may differ. On the 2016 resident / junior doctor contract (England), basic pay uses the 2026/27 nodal spine by training grade (FY1 through ST8). Night, weekend and on-call enhancements are separate.
Typical progression for Junior Doctor
Progression: FY1 → FY2 → core/specialty training → CCT. Use the calculator on this page to see how pay changes over time on the junior doctor contract.
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 | Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27) |
|---|---|
| Years already in band | 0 |
| Gross pay now (example) | £41,226 |
| Gross pay after 5 years (example) | £67,998 |
| Projection period | 5 years |
Frequently asked questions
What does this Junior Doctor pay progression calculator do?
It projects gross basic pay over a number of years for an NHS Junior Doctor on the England 2016 resident / junior doctor contract, using nodal points by training grade. It is not Agenda for Change. Enhanced pay for nights, weekends and on-call is separate.
How does junior doctor pay progression work?
Basic pay moves through nodal points linked to stage of training (for example FY1, FY2, ST grades). Confirm your nodal point with medical staffing. Thresholds and AfC spine language do not apply.
What are nodal points?
Nodal points are basic pay steps on the junior doctor contract linked to training grade. Our tool models step progression through those points.
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 junior doctor pay information?
The BMA, NHS Employers pay circulars (M&D), and your trust medical staffing team.
How often is the pay data updated?
We update datasets after major awards. Treat figures as illustrative and confirm the current circular with the BMA or NHS Employers.
Why might my pay show different progression?
Pay varies by grade, nodal point and local supplements. We use one illustrative dataset; your contract and trust decide the real figure.
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.
Are there progression routes?
Progression: FY1 → FY2 → core/specialty training → CCT. Use the table above to see how pay changes over time on the junior doctor contract.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.