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NHS pay bands and what IMGs actually earn

NHS pay bands and what IMGs actually earn

NHS medical pay in England is set nationally. Non-training doctors sit on a specialty-doctor or trust-grade scale; training doctors follow the 2016 junior doctor contract. Basic pay is enhanced by nodal points, night and weekend supplements, and on-call availability. Expect £45,000–£65,000 total earnings in a first NHS SHO-equivalent post, higher at registrar level.

Who this applies to

IMGs budgeting for the move to the UK.
IMGs comparing offers between trusts or specialties.

Key requirements

Trainee pay 2016 junior doctor contract — nodal points 1–5 Non-trainee pay Specialty doctor / trust-grade national scales Enhancements Night, weekend, on-call availability supplements First-post range ~£45k–£65k total for SHO-equivalent

Steps

1. Check the current pay circular





NHS Employers publishes the up-to-date scales — do not rely on forum estimates.

2. Ask for the rota code

Rota code drives the enhancement — the same nodal point can pay very differently between trusts.

3. Model take-home pay

Deduct tax, NI, student loan (if any) and pension contributions.

Common failure points

Comparing basic pay only, ignoring rota supplements.
Assuming London weighting applies to every English post.

Official sources

Every fact above should be confirmed against the controlling source before you act on it.

NHS Employers — pay for doctors NHS EmployersOfficial
BMA — pay scales British Medical AssociationOfficial

Written by Editorial LeadReviewed by Procedural ReviewerPublished 12 July 2026Updated 12 July 2026See change log →

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