Junior Doctor Pay Progression Calculator
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Wondering how pay and progression look for a Junior Doctor? This tool shows how your salary could grow over the next few years, whether you're planning a move or just curious where your current band can take you. We've mapped typical pay scales so you can explore the numbers and plan ahead.
Assumptions and pay data
Pay data: NHS Junior Doctor Contract (England, 2016 contract). Nodal basic pay only (England 2016 contract). Published 2025/26 nodal rates for FY1 through ST6–8 (five nodal points). Enhanced pay (nights, weekends, on-call) is separate. A future pay year may differ. Check NHS Employers or BMA.
- Figures are illustrative and may not reflect the latest pay awards or your employer’s exact rules.
- 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
You'll see:
- Current gross pay and pay at the end of your chosen period
- Total gross earnings over the period
- A year-by-year table and chart
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Frequently asked questions
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
This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not financial or career advice. Pay rules and allowances can change. Always check your employer or official sources for definitive figures.