Scotland’s NHS doctors and dentists get pay rises

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-12 18:29 3 min read

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NHS doctors and dentists in Scotland will receive above-inflation pay rises for 2026-27, with the increases backdated to 1 April and expected to start appearing in salaries at the end of September.

The Scottish Government has accepted in full the recommendations of the independent Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration Review Body (DDRB). The decision affects more than 10,000 NHS employees, including consultants, GPs, specialty doctors, specialist doctors, associate specialists and dentists.

Pay rises for NHS doctors and dentists

Consultants, GPs, Specialty, Specialist and Associate Specialist doctors, as well as dentists, will receive a 3.5% increase for 2026-27.

Salaried community and public dental workers will receive a 3.75% uplift. The Scottish Government said the higher award recognises particular challenges faced by those services.

For affected staff, the award is not limited to pay from the autumn payroll date. It will be backdated to 1 April 2026, meaning eligible employees should receive arrears alongside or following the implementation of their new pay rates.

Estimated annual salary increases

The cash value of the 3.5% award varies by role and salary point. The Scottish Government estimates that annual increases will range from about £3,900 to £5,183 for consultants.

Specialty doctors are expected to receive approximately £2,246 to £3,501 more per year. For specialist doctors, the estimated range is £3,531 to £3,901. Dentists working in the public dental service are expected to see annual increases of roughly £2,030 to £4,294.

Scotland’s NHS doctors and dentists get pay rises

These figures describe annual salary changes rather than a single flat payment, so the amount received by an individual employee will depend on their role and place on the relevant pay scale.

September payroll timing

The Scottish Government expects the new rates to begin appearing in salaries at the end of September. Because the award is backdated, affected employees should check their payslips for both the revised salary rate and the payment covering the period from 1 April.

Health Secretary Angela Constance confirmed the decision in a letter to the British Medical Association. She said accepting the DDRB recommendation was intended to provide an equitable and affordable settlement while supporting recruitment and retention in NHS Scotland.

Independent pay review recommendations

The DDRB advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on doctors’ and dentists’ pay. Its recommendations draw on evidence from governments, employers, NHS organisations and professional bodies, including the British Medical Association and dental representatives.

The 2026-27 settlement follows previous consultant pay awards of 6% in 2023-24, 10.5% in 2024-25 and 4% in 2025-26. The latest award applies to the new financial year and is due to be reflected in pay from late September.

Source: Scottish Government News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source and pay-award checks

This report uses the Scottish Government’s published decision and separates confirmed pay rates from estimated annual salary ranges.

Checks

Confirmed the 3.5% award for consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and dentists.
Confirmed the 3.75% uplift for salaried community and public dental workers.
Checked that the award is backdated to 1 April 2026 and expected in salaries at the end of...
Checked the role-specific annual increase estimates supplied by the Scottish Government.

Scottish Government News: NHS pay awards Check independent coverage