Career & Pay · NHS

Registrar Pay Progression Calculator

See how pay could grow for a Registrar on the Foundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27) scale: £41,226 at the first point, and £77,348 at the top, which the calculator reaches after 8 years (rates from 1/4/2026). It opens at year 0 with a 5-year horizon; set your years in the band to start where you are.

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  • Last updated:
  • NHS Junior / Resident Doctor Contract (England, 2016)
  • Free, no sign-in

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
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

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Guide for Registrar

This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Registrar 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 Registrar

As Registrar 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 Registrar

Progression: ST3 → ST4+ → 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)

Default example inputs and illustrative outputs for Registrar
Band / gradeFoundation & specialty (nodal 2026/27)
Years already in band0
Gross pay now (example)£41,226
Gross pay after 5 years (example)£67,998
Projection period5 years

Frequently asked questions

What does this Registrar pay progression calculator do?

It projects gross basic pay over a number of years for an NHS Registrar under the resident / junior doctor contract (England), not Agenda for Change. Enhanced pay for nights, weekends and on-call is separate.

How does registrar pay progression work?

Registrars are doctors in specialty training (typically ST3+) on the 2016 junior / resident doctor contract. Basic pay uses nodal points by training grade. Confirm your nodal point with medical staffing.

What are nodal points?

Nodal points are basic pay steps on the junior doctor contract linked to stage of training. 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 registrar pay information?

The BMA, NHS Employers pay circulars (M&D), and your trust medical staffing team.

About this role

What is a Registrar?

A Registrar is a doctor in specialty training (ST3 and above) working towards a CCT. They work with increasing autonomy under consultants. Pay is on the national junior doctor contract.

Typical demands, progression and balance

Registrar roles offer deepening expertise and variety. Pay and conditions depend on specialty and rotation. Progression is to CCT and consultant or GP.

Are there progression routes?

Progression: ST3 → ST4+ → 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.