Specialty Training ST6–ST8 Salary
£73,992
2026/27 — Nodal Point 5 (top of training) of the 2016 hospital doctor contract
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
2026/27 Senior Training Pay (England — 2016 Contract)
| Pay Point | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| ST3–5 (NP4) | £65,048 | £5,420.67 |
| ST6–8 (NP5) — senior registrar | £73,992 | £6,166.00 |
| Consultant (Threshold 1) | £113,565 | £9,463.75 |
Specialty Training Year 6 (ST6) marks the senior registrar phase of training — the final 2–3 years before CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) and consultant appointment. ST6 doctors take on increasing autonomy and consultant-style responsibilities.
ST6 doctors in England sit on Nodal Point 5 (£73,992) of the 2016 contract — the top training point. Nodal Point 5 covers ST6, ST7 and ST8; basic pay is identical across these years.
Total ST6+ earnings often substantially exceed basic pay due to high on-call frequency, regular weekend rotas, and the additional hours typically worked during senior training. After CCT, doctors move directly to Consultant Threshold 1 (£113,565) — a basic uplift of around 53%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ST6 salary in the UK?
In England under the 2016 contract, ST6 basic salary is £73,992 at Nodal Point 5. This is the top of the training scale; ST7 and ST8 are paid the same basic.
Is ST6 the same pay as ST7 and ST8?
Yes — all three years are at Nodal Point 5 (£73,992) under the 2016 contract. Total earnings typically increase via more on-call, more weekend work and more out-of-hours rota.
How much does pay increase from ST6 to Consultant?
Basic pay rises from £73,992 (ST6/NP5) to £113,565 (Consultant Threshold 1) — an uplift of around 53%. Consultants also get programmed activities, on-call availability and potential Clinical Excellence Awards.
How do supplements affect ST6 total earnings?
Significantly. A typical senior registrar with 1-in-4 weekends (7.5% of basic = £5,549), resident on-call (8% = £5,919), 30 night hours/month (£8,212/year non-pensionable), and 8 additional hours/month (£5,476/year) can add £25k+ on top of basic.
Is ST6 pay pensionable?
Yes. Basic pay, weekend allowance and on-call availability are all pensionable under the NHS Pension Scheme (2015 CARE for most active doctors). Night enhancement and additional hours payments are not pensionable.