Psychiatrist Salary in the UK
Consultant psychiatrists sit on the standard NHS consultant scale (£95,000–£126,000), and the specialty has unusually strong private and independent-sector demand. Private psychiatry, medico-legal report work and telepsychiatry can lift established consultants well past £120,000.
On the average psychiatrist salary of £105,000, you'll take home £70,457 per year or £5,871 per month after income tax and National Insurance for 2026/27.
Qualifications and Entry Requirements
A medical degree, two foundation years, the MRCPsych exams and around six years of specialty training before a CCT. Sub-specialties include general adult, old-age, child and adolescent (CAMHS), and forensic psychiatry.
Job Demand and Outlook
Mental-health services face some of the deepest workforce shortages in the NHS, so consultant psychiatrists are in very high demand. The specialty also lends itself to remote and independent practice — telepsychiatry and private clinics can be run flexibly, which suits doctors who want location independence.
Career Path and Progression
Foundation training, core psychiatry training (CT1–3), higher specialty training (ST4–6), then consultant. Forensic and child/adolescent psychiatry are among the higher-earning and most in-demand sub-specialties.
Tax Tips for a Psychiatrist
At £105,000 you are inside the £100,000–£125,140 band where the personal allowance tapers, giving an effective 62% marginal rate. Because much psychiatric private and medico-legal work is self-employed, there is real scope to structure it efficiently (pension contributions, limited company, expenses). The remote-friendly nature of the specialty also makes overseas and non-resident arrangements more practical than for most hospital doctors.
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Psychiatrist Pay by Level
Here is what a psychiatrist earns at each stage in the UK, with approximate take home pay per month on base pay:
| Level | Salary | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|
| Core trainee (CT1–3) | £43,000 | £2,873 |
| Registrar (ST4–6) | £55,000 | £3,538 |
| New NHS consultant | £95,000 | £5,471 |
| Consultant psychiatrist | £105,000 | £5,871 |
| Consultant + private/medico-legal | £140,000 | £7,166 |
Note: Medico-legal report writing and private clinics are usually self-employed income, taxed on top of NHS pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a psychiatrist earn in the UK?
NHS consultant psychiatrists are on the £95,000–£126,000 consultant scale. With private clinics and medico-legal work, many earn £120,000–£140,000 or more. Trainees earn £43,000–£60,000.
What does a consultant psychiatrist take home?
On an average of £105,000, take home pay is approximately £70,457 per year or £5,871 per month after income tax and National Insurance for 2026/27.
Is psychiatry a good-paying specialty?
Yes. Base NHS pay matches other consultants, and psychiatry has exceptionally strong private, independent-sector and medico-legal demand, which lifts total earnings for those who take it on.
Can psychiatrists work remotely or abroad?
More than most doctors. Telepsychiatry, private online clinics and medico-legal report work can be done flexibly, and UK-trained psychiatrists are recruited internationally, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Gulf.
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