NHS Pay Calculator 2026/27:
Take-Home Pay by Band
Calculate your exact NHS take home pay for 2026/27, including pre-tax NHS Pension contributions, National Insurance, unsocial hours uplifts, and London Weighting across Bands 2 to 9.
2026/27 NHS Band Salaries & Take Home Pay Comparison
The table below compares the 2025/26 Agenda for Change pay scales with the confirmed 2026/27 rates after the 3.3% pay award. All figures are for England (outside London).
| Band | Point | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | Annual Rise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | Entry | £23,615 | £25,272 | +£1,657 |
| Band 3 | Top | £25,674 | £27,476 | +£1,802 |
| Band 4 | Top | £29,114 | £31,157 | +£2,043 |
| Band 5 | Entry | £29,970 | £32,073 | +£2,103 |
| Band 5 | Top | £36,483 | £39,043 | +£2,560 |
| Band 6 | Entry | £37,338 | £39,959 | +£2,621 |
| Band 6 | Top | £44,962 | £48,117 | +£3,155 |
| Band 7 | Top | £52,809 | £56,515 | +£3,706 |
| Band 8a | Top | £60,504 | £64,750 | +£4,246 |
| Band 8b | Top | £71,336 | £77,368 | +£6,032 |
How 26/27 Agenda for Change Pay Bands Determine Take Home Pay
All NHS staff (excluding doctors and dentists) are paid under the Agenda for Change (AfC) framework. Your salary is determined by two factors: your Band (based on job role) and your pay point (based on years of experience in that band).
Common Bands Explained
- 2Band 2 (£25,272): Healthcare Assistants, Porters, Domestic Staff. Single pay point.
- 5Band 5 (£32,073–£39,043): Newly Qualified Nurses, Paramedics, Physiotherapists. Most searched band.
- 6Band 6 (£39,959–£48,117): Ward Sisters, Senior Specialists, Charge Nurses.
- 7Band 7 (£49,387–£56,515): Advanced Practitioners, Team Leaders, Clinical Specialists.
Staff automatically progress through pay points annually until they reach the top of their band. Model your future earnings with our NHS Career Goal Planner.
England vs Scotland NHS Pay & Take Home Pay Differences
Pay scales and take home pay differ between England and the devolved nations. In Scotland, the NHS operates under a separate Agenda for Change negotiation and distinct tax legislation:
- Separate Pay Settlement: Scotland agreed to a 3.75% pay uplift for 2026/27, compared to England's 3.3%. This settlement carries a guarantee of at least 1 percentage point above average 2026 CPI inflation and may be adjusted if inflation fluctuates.
- Scottish Income Tax: Take home pay is calculated using devolved Scottish tax bands (Starter 19%, Basic 20%, Intermediate 21%, Higher 42%, Advanced 45%, Top 48%).
- Impact on Net Pay: Even with slightly higher gross points, higher and intermediate tax rates mean take home pay differs from England.
Wales: NHS Wales received an agreed 3.3% pay uplift, matching England's award.
Northern Ireland: Health and Social Care (HSC) pay awards in Northern Ireland are handled separately through the Northern Ireland Executive and Department of Health, subject to local budget allocations.
High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS)
Staff in London receive supplements up to £8,352/year. Check our full London Weighting Guide.
How NHS Pension Contributions Affect Your Take Home Pay
NHS Pension contributions are tiered based on your total pensionable pay. Higher earners contribute a larger percentage, but contributions receive immediate tax relief under the Net Pay Arrangement.
2025/26 Pension Tiers
Updated Pension Tiers (Confirmed Rates)
Net Pay Arrangement benefit: NHS Pension contributions are deducted before Income Tax is calculated. A Band 5 nurse starting on £32,073 pays 8.3% (£2,662/year) into their pension, but because of 20% tax relief, the actual take-home reduction is only approximately £2,130.
Agenda for Change Pay Band Guides (Take Home Pay Breakdown)
View complete salary point breakdowns, take home pay tables, experience progression, and London weighting for each specific NHS band:
Latest NHS Pay Rise Guides & Analysis
In-depth articles from our financial analysts covering payslip checks, structural grading reforms, and union balloting:
NHS Pay Rise Analysis: Full Breakdown
Detailed analysis of the 3.3% award, union responses, and what was recommended by the Pay Review Body.
NHS Band 5 Grading Review 2026
Overview of the automatic Band 5 to Band 6 preceptorship reviews and expected backdated uplifts.
April 2026 NHS Payslip Guide
What to check on your ESR payslip from April 1st to ensure your new pay point and pension rate are correct.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2026/27 NHS Take Home Pay
How much will I earn on 26/27 NHS pay scales?
Under the confirmed 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scale, basic salaries range from £25,272 (Band 2) to £129,783 (top of Band 9). Use our calculator above to see your exact take home pay.
What is the new Band 5 NHS salary?
Starting Band 5 nurse salary is £32,073 for staff with less than 2 years experience. With 2–4 years experience, pay rises to £34,592, and experienced Band 5 staff (4+ years) reach £39,043. View our dedicated Band 5 Pay Guide or read about the Band 5 Grading Review.
What is the monthly take home pay for a Band 5 nurse?
On entry-level Band 5 (£32,073), take home pay is approximately £2,017 per month (£24,208/year) after Income Tax, National Insurance, and an 8.3% NHS pension deduction on standard tax code 1257L. Learn more in our NHS Pension Guide.
What is the Band 2 healthcare assistant salary?
Band 2 salary is £25,272 (£2,106/month gross). Net take home pay is approximately £1,659 per month after pension and statutory deductions. View our Band 2 Pay Guide.
How does Scotland NHS pay compare to England?
NHS staff in Scotland receive a distinct 3.75% pay settlement compared to England's 3.3%, with an inflation guarantee of at least 1 percentage point above average 2026 CPI inflation. Additionally, take home pay is influenced by Scottish Income Tax rates (19% starter rate, 21% intermediate rate, 42% higher rate). Check our Scotland Tax Guide for detailed comparisons.
When does the new NHS salary agreement take effect?
The 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scales take effect from 1 April 2026. Read our guide on what to check on your April payslip.
How can I plan career progression and promotion pay jumps?
Use our interactive NHS Career Goal Planner to model future band promotions, incremental steps, and their real impact on take home pay.