How Much Do GP Trainees Earn?

Thinking about a career as a GP? Money is a big factor. This guide breaks down the GP trainee salary, explaining what you can expect to earn from ST1 to qualifying.

By Tony Musso on Thu Jun 18 2026

When you’re [thinking about your future](/blog/career-progression-advice "Expert Career Progression Advice"), money is a big factor. And when you’re considering a career as a GP, it’s natural to wonder what your income will look like, especially during the training years. Let’s be honest, medical school is a long and expensive journey, so the prospect of earning a decent wage is a significant motivator. So, how much do GP trainees actually earn? The simple answer is, it’s a respectable amount, and more than you might think. But the full story is a bit more complex, with various factors influencing your final take-home pay. This guide will break down the GP trainee salary, [explaining exactly what you can expect](/blog/career-strategy-advice "Practical Career Strategy Advice") to earn from your first year of training until you qualify.

The Basics of a GP Trainee’s Pay

First things first, let’s get the terminology right. When we talk about a GP trainee salary, we're referring to the income of a doctor who has completed their two foundation years (FY1 and FY2) and has entered a three-year specialist training programme to become a General Practitioner. These three years are known as ST1, ST2, and ST3 (Specialty Trainee years 1, 2, and 3).

The pay for all junior doctors in the UK, including GP trainees, is based on a national contract. This means your basic salary is determined by your training stage, not by the specific GP practice or hospital you're working in. This system is designed to be fair and transparent, ensuring that doctors at the same level of training earn the same basic wage, regardless of their location.

However, the basic salary is just one part of the equation. On top of this, you can earn supplements for working unsociable hours, for being on-call, or for working in certain locations. These additions can significantly increase your overall earnings, so it’s important to understand how they work.

A Breakdown of the GP Trainee Pay Scale

Your journey to becoming a GP is a three-year programme, and your salary increases with each year of training. Here’s a look at what you can expect at each stage:

• **ST1 (Specialty Trainee Year 1):** Your first year of GP training will likely be spent in a hospital setting, rotating through various specialties like paediatrics, A&E, or psychiatry. The basic salary for an ST1 trainee is currently around £43,923 per year. However, with the addition of supplements for weekend and evening work, your total earnings are likely to be higher.

• **ST2 (Specialty Trainee Year 2):** In your second year, you may continue with hospital rotations or have your first placement in a GP practice. The basic salary for an ST2 trainee is the same as for an ST1, at £43,923. Again, your actual income will be influenced by the intensity of your rota and any additional hours you work.

• **ST3 (Specialty Trainee Year 3):** This is your final year of training, and it’s usually spent entirely within a GP practice. During this year, you’ll be taking on more responsibility and working more independently. Your basic salary will increase to £55,329. Since you’ll be working in a general practice setting, the nature of your work will change, and your on-call commitments will be different from those in a hospital.

It's worth noting that these figures are based on the most recent junior doctor contract and are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to check the latest pay scales from the BMA (British Medical Association) or NHS Employers for the most up-to-date information.

What About Supplements?

As we’ve mentioned, your basic salary is just the starting point. There are several supplements that can boost your income, and it’s important to factor these in when you’re calculating your potential earnings.

• **London Weighting:** If you’re training in London, you’ll receive a supplement to help with the higher cost of living. This is known as London weighting, and it can add a significant amount to your annual salary. The exact amount varies depending on whether you’re in inner or outer London, but it can be up to £2,162 per year.

• **Flexible Pay Premia:** The NHS sometimes offers financial incentives to encourage doctors to train in certain specialties or locations that are harder to recruit for. These are known as flexible pay premia, and they can be a welcome bonus for GP trainees. These aren’t guaranteed, but it’s worth looking into whether you’re eligible.

• **On-Call and Weekend Work:** Your rota will have a big impact on your earnings. If you’re working a lot of nights, weekends, or you’re frequently on-call, you’ll be compensated for this. The exact amount you earn will depend on the frequency and intensity of your unsociable hours.

How Does a GP Trainee Salary Compare to Other Specialities?

One of the common misconceptions about general practice is that it’s [not as well-paid as other medical specialties](/blog/the-six-stages-of-a-standard-uk-accounting-career "UK Accounting Career Path Comparison"). While it’s true that some hospital-based consultants can earn very high salaries, the GP trainee salary is competitive. In fact, due to the structure of the training programme and the supplements available, a GP trainee’s take-home pay can often be higher than that of trainees in some other specialties.

For example, a trainee in a surgical specialty might have a similar basic salary, but their training path is often longer, and they may not have the same opportunities for supplements early in their career. The shorter training time for GPs- just three years after the foundation years- means you can start earning a consultant-level salary much sooner.

Once you qualify as a GP, your earning potential increases significantly. You can work as a salaried GP, a locum, or a partner in a practice, each with its own financial benefits. This flexibility is one of the key attractions of a career in general practice, allowing you to [tailor your work life to your financial goals](/blog/work-life-balance-advice "Honest Work Life Balance Advice") and personal preferences.

What to do next

If you’re considering a career as a GP, it’s clear that the financial rewards are there, both during and after your training. While salary shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a particular specialism, it’s reassuring to know that you can earn a good living while making a real difference to people’s lives.

For more in-depth information and to explore if a career in general practice is the right fit for you, why not check out our other resources? We have guides on everything from the application process to the day-to-day realities of being a GP. Your future is in your hands- start shaping it today.