Complete financial planning guide for NHS medical trainees. Understand pay scales, student loans, locum work restrictions, and pension implications during training.
Understanding your pay progression during medical training is crucial for financial planning. Pay scales vary between foundation and specialty training, with different rates applying across England.
| Training Level | Basic Salary | With Banding Supplement | Annual Progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year 1 | £32,397 | £35,636 - £45,317 | Fixed rate |
| Foundation Year 2 | £37,303 | £41,033 - £52,223 | Fixed rate |
| Specialty Training ST1-ST2 | £40,257 - £47,132 | £44,283 - £65,885 | Annual increments |
| Specialty Training ST3-ST8 | £51,017 - £58,398 | £56,119 - £81,757 | Annual increments |
Most current medical students
Additional to undergraduate repayments
Foundation doctors are generally prohibited from undertaking locum work. Any additional work must be approved by your Foundation School and must not interfere with training.
Specialty trainees can undertake limited locum work (usually max 4 hours per week) with approval from their Training Programme Director. This must not compromise training objectives.
Locum income is treated as employment income and subject to PAYE. Multiple employer situations can lead to emergency tax codes requiring correction.
All NHS trainees are automatically enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme 2015. This provides valuable benefits that compound over your career.
Our AI-powered tools can help you plan your finances throughout medical training, from foundation years through to consultant level.
Our AI-powered system can analyse your specific circumstances and provide personalised recommendations based on this guidance.
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