GP Salary in the UK: Regional Differences and Seniority Pay Scales

Understanding GP Salary in the UK

When researching a gp salary, it is important to recognise that earnings vary widely depending on whether a doctor works as a salaried employee or as a self-employed contractor, as well as where in the UK they practise. The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and NHS Digital provide a detailed picture of current pay levels.

National Averages and the ONS ASHE Picture

The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for 2025 reports that the median full-time employee in the UK earns £39,039 per year. For general medical practitioners (GPs) specifically, the median gp salary is considerably higher at £51,756, with a mean of £53,163. These figures are based on employee jobs only and therefore exclude the many GPs who work as self-employed contractors or partners. As a result, the true average earnings for all GPs are likely higher than the ASHE median suggests.

NHS Digital’s GP Earnings and Expenses Estimates for 2024/25, which draw on HMRC tax records, provide a more complete picture. For salaried GPs in England, the average income before tax was £74,800. In Scotland it was £76,100, in Wales £84,000, and in Northern Ireland £76,600. Contractor GPs – those who own or co-own a practice – earned far more: £164,200 in England, £140,000 in Scotland, £134,900 in Wales, and £121,000 in Northern Ireland. These averages include both NHS and private income.

Regional Variations Across Britain

Geography plays a major role in determining a gp salary. The ONS ASHE data broken down by region shows striking differences. Yorkshire and the Humber tops the list with a median GP pay of £61,026, followed by the West Midlands at £59,169 and the North East at £56,624. At the other end, Scotland has the lowest median at £44,511, with the South East also below average at £47,915. London sits close to the UK median at £51,973.

These regional disparities reflect differences in local demand, practice funding, and the mix of salaried versus contractor roles. It is worth noting that the ASHE regional figures are based on relatively small samples for some areas, so they should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Salaried GP Pay Scales and Seniority

For salaried GPs employed under the national contract, pay is determined by annual pay circulars. The BMA publishes recommended pay ranges for each nation. For 2026/27, the minimum and maximum for salaried GPs in England are £78,699 and £118,759 respectively, a 3.5% increase on the previous year. In Wales the range is £81,893 to £123,573. Scotland and Northern Ireland had slightly different ranges in 2025/26, with Scotland at £77,160 to £115,167 and Northern Ireland at £74,172 to £111,928 (the latter marked as provisional).

Seniority is a key factor within these ranges. Newly qualified GPs typically start at the lower end, while those with more experience or additional responsibilities (such as being a partner or having a specialist interest) can reach the upper end. The DDRB (Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration) recommends these ranges each year, and they are implemented by the four UK health departments.

Contractor GPs and Self-Employment

A significant proportion of GPs – around 14% according to ONS data – are self-employed. Contractor GPs (partners in a practice) share in the practice’s profits and bear business costs. Their earnings are therefore more variable and generally higher than those of salaried GPs. The NHS Digital estimates for 2024/25 show that contractor GPs in England earned an average of £164,200 before tax, more than double the salaried average. However, this figure is before deduction of expenses such as premises costs, staff salaries, and pension contributions. The net take-home pay for contractors can be substantially lower.

Comparing GP Pay to the UK Average

To put a gp salary in context, the UK median full-time employee earns £39,039 per year (ONS ASHE 2025). Even the lowest regional GP median (£44,511 in Scotland) is above the national median, and the national GP median of £51,756 is about a third higher. At the top end, contractor GPs in England earn more than four times the national median. However, it is important to remember that GP training is long and demanding, and the role carries significant responsibility.

Tax and National Insurance Considerations

Like all UK employees, GPs pay Income Tax and National Insurance on their earnings. Those in Scotland are subject to different Income Tax bands set by the Scottish Parliament, which can affect take-home pay. For example, a GP earning £80,000 in Scotland would pay more tax than one in England on the same salary, due to the higher rates on earnings above £43,662. Additionally, GPs often have student loan repayments and pension contributions that reduce net income. For a detailed breakdown of how tax affects different salary levels, see our salary data page.

Future Outlook

The 3.5% increase for salaried GPs in 2026/27 reflects ongoing negotiations and the DDRB’s recommendations. With the NHS facing workforce pressures, GP pay is likely to remain a topic of debate. The BMA continues to campaign for improved pay and conditions to retain and recruit GPs. For the latest updates on pay scales and negotiations, visit our UK Average Salary homepage.

Summary

A gp salary in the UK varies widely by employment type and location. Salaried GPs earn between around £74,000 and £84,000 on average, with contractual ranges up to £123,000 in Wales. Contractor GPs can earn over £160,000 but bear business costs. Regionally, the highest median pay is in Yorkshire and the Humber, the lowest in Scotland. When comparing to the UK average employee salary of £39,039, GP pay is significantly above the norm, reflecting the high level of training and responsibility required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average GP salary in the UK?

According to ONS ASHE 2025 data, the median GP salary in the UK is £51,756 per year, while the mean (average) is £53,163. However, these figures are for employee GPs only and exclude self-employed contractors, who typically earn more. NHS Digital estimates for 2024/25 show average salaried GP income ranging from £74,800 in England to £84,000 in Wales, while contractor GPs average £121,000 to £164,200 depending on the country.

How does GP salary vary by region in the UK?

GP pay varies significantly across the UK. Within England, Yorkshire and the Humber has the highest median GP salary at £61,026, while Scotland has the lowest at £44,511 (ONS ASHE via Salary Scout). Salaried GP pay ranges also differ by nation: for 2026/27, the minimum in England is £78,699 and in Wales £81,893, with maxima of £118,759 and £123,573 respectively. Contractor GPs in England average £164,200, compared to £121,000 in Northern Ireland (NHS Digital).

What is the difference between salaried and contractor GP pay?

Salaried GPs are employed by a practice and receive a fixed salary within nationally agreed pay ranges (e.g., £78,699–£118,759 in England for 2026/27). Contractor GPs are self-employed partners or locums who own or share in the practice business; they typically earn much more. NHS Digital 2024/25 estimates show average contractor GP income in England at £164,200, more than double the average salaried GP income of £74,800. However, contractor income is before tax and expenses, and they bear business costs.