FY1 Salary 2026/27: What Foundation Year 1 Doctors Earn in the UK

Introduction

For anyone considering a career in medicine or already in the early stages of training, understanding the fy1 salary is essential. Foundation Year 1 (FY1) is the first year of postgraduate medical training in the UK, and the pay reflects the responsibilities of a junior doctor working under supervision. This article explains the current FY1 salary for 2026/27, how it compares to UK average earnings, and what factors affect take-home pay. We also look at regional differences and the impact of Scotland’s tax system.

FY1 Salary in Context

According to official NHS pay scales for 2026/27, the basic fy1 salary for a full-time doctor in England is £41,226 per year. This is the nodal point 1 rate, meaning every FY1 doctor on the national contract receives the same basic pay regardless of which trust they work in. This figure comes from the NHS Employers pay scales and is confirmed by detailed take-home calculators such as Money Worked Out.

After deductions, the typical monthly take-home pay is around £2,497.67, or £29,972 annually. This accounts for:

• NHS Pension contribution at 9.8% (for pay between £35,156 and £52,778)
• Income tax at the basic rate (20% on earnings above the personal allowance)
• National Insurance at the main rate (8% on earnings above the primary threshold)

The calculation assumes no student loan repayments and the standard tax code 1257L for England. Additional payments for on-call duties, unsocial hours, or London weighting are not included in these figures, so actual take-home pay can be higher.

How FY1 Pay Compares to UK Averages

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides the most reliable picture of UK pay. The latest data (October 2025) shows:

• Median full-time annual pay: £39,039
• Mean full-time annual pay: approximately £45,800
• Median pay for all employees (including part-time): £32,890

The fy1 salary of £41,226 sits above the median full-time figure but below the mean. This means FY1 doctors earn more than the typical full-time worker, but the average is pulled up by higher-paid roles. Compared to the National Living Wage (£12.71 per hour for age 21+ in 2026/27), an FY1 doctor earns roughly 66% more than a full-time minimum wage worker.

Within the NHS, the mean basic pay per full-time equivalent across all staff groups was £44,457 in the 12 months to June 2026 (NHS Digital). The fy1 salary is slightly below this average, reflecting the junior nature of the role. As doctors progress through foundation training and into specialty training, their pay rises significantly.

Regional Differences

While the basic fy1 salary is national, the cost of living and regional pay variations for other jobs provide useful context. ONS ASHE data reveals stark regional differences in median full-time pay:

• London: £39,778
• South East: £35,215
• North East: £29,584
• Scotland: £33,061
• Wales: £30,732

An FY1 doctor in London receives the same basic pay as one in Newcastle, but the London weighting (an additional allowance) can add several thousand pounds. However, housing and commuting costs in London are much higher, so the real value of the salary varies. For doctors considering where to work, it is worth factoring in both the allowance and the local cost of living.

Scotland and Tax Differences

Scotland has its own income tax bands, which differ from the rest of the UK. For the 2026/27 tax year, the starter rate, basic rate, and higher rates are set by the Scottish Government. This means an FY1 doctor working in Scotland may have a slightly different take-home pay compared to England, even if the basic salary is similar. Scotland also has its own NHS pay scales, which are negotiated separately. While the fy1 salary in Scotland is broadly comparable, it is not identical to the English rate. Always check the latest NHS Scotland pay circulars for exact figures.

Take-Home Pay and Deductions

Understanding the deductions from the fy1 salary helps with financial planning. The main deductions are:

• NHS Pension: 9.8% of pensionable pay (tiered based on actual earnings). This is taken before tax, reducing the taxable income.
• Income Tax: 20% on earnings above the personal allowance (£12,570 in 2026/27).
• National Insurance: 8% on earnings above the primary threshold (£12,570).

For an FY1 doctor earning £41,226, the pension contribution is £4,040.15, income tax is £4,921.37, and National Insurance is £2,292.48, leaving a net annual pay of £29,972. This is a useful benchmark, but actual deductions may vary if the doctor opts out of the pension or has student loan repayments.

Summary

The fy1 salary for 2026/27 is £41,226 basic pay, with a take-home of around £29,972. This places FY1 doctors above the UK median full-time salary but below the mean. The national rate ensures consistency across England, but regional allowances and Scotland’s tax system can affect net pay. For more context on UK pay trends, see our UK Average Salary, salary articles, and salary data pages. You can also explore salary index for comparisons across occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FY1 salary for 2026/27?

The basic FY1 salary for 2026/27 is £41,226 per year for full-time doctors in England. This is the national nodal point 1 rate. After NHS Pension contributions (9.8%), income tax and National Insurance, the typical take-home pay is around £29,972 per year, or £2,497.67 per month. This does not include extra payments for on-call or unsocial hours.

How does FY1 pay compare to the UK average salary?

The FY1 basic salary of £41,226 is above the UK median full-time salary of £39,039 (ONS ASHE 2025). It is slightly below the UK mean full-time salary of approximately £45,800. Compared to the National Living Wage, an FY1 doctor earns significantly more than the £24,785 a full-time minimum wage worker would earn. However, FY1 pay is at the lower end of the NHS pay spectrum, with more senior doctors earning considerably more.

Does FY1 salary vary by region in England?

No, the basic FY1 salary is a single national rate for all Foundation Year 1 posts in England under the national contract. However, some trusts may offer additional allowances such as London weighting or recruitment premiums, which can increase total pay. In Scotland and Wales, separate NHS pay scales apply, and Scotland’s different income tax bands can affect take-home pay. Regional cost of living differences mean the purchasing power of the FY1 salary varies across the country.