NHS Band 5 Pay Scale 2026/27
Band 5 is the foundation grade for registered healthcare professionals. Salaries range from £32,073 at entry to £39,043 after 4 years.
Typical NHS Band 5 NHS Roles
NHS Band 5 2026/27 Pay Progression & Take-Home Pay
Assumes standard England 1257L tax code, actual NHS Pension tier deduction, and no student loan.
| Experience Step | Annual Gross | Monthly Gross | Pension Tier | Monthly Take-Home | Annual Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 2 years | £32,073 | £2,673 | 8.3% | £2,040 | £24,483 |
| 2-4 years | £34,592 | £2,883 | 9.8% | £2,143 | £25,714 |
| 4+ years | £39,043 | £3,254 | 9.8% | £2,381 | £28,570 |
NHS Band 5 London Weighting (HCAS) for 2026/27
If you work in a London NHS trust, you receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) on top of your basic pay:
20% of basic pay, subject to min/max caps. For NHS Band 5 entry: £38,488.
15% of basic pay, subject to min/max caps.
5% of basic pay for designated surrounding counties.
England vs Scotland NHS Band 5 Pay Comparison
In Scotland, Band 5 ranges from £31,892 to £39,735. NHS Scotland negotiates pay separately through NHS Scotland Agenda for Change circulars and is also subject to separate Scottish Income Tax rates (19% Starter, 20% Basic, 21% Intermediate, 42% Higher).
NHS Band 5 Unsocial Hours Enhancements (Section 2)
Staff working shift patterns earn Agenda for Change Section 2 uplifts on their basic hourly rate:
Calculate your exact NHS Band 5 take-home pay
Include your specific overtime hours, unsocial shifts, London weighting, and student loan deductions in our interactive calculator.
Explore Other NHS Agenda for Change Pay Bands
Frequently Asked Questions About NHS Band 5
What is the starting salary for an NHS Band 5 nurse in 2026/27?
Newly qualified nurses and therapists start on £32,073 basic gross salary in England (£2,673/month gross).
What is the monthly take-home pay for a Band 5 nurse?
At entry level (£32,073), take-home pay is approximately £2,017/month after tax, NI, and 8.3% pension. At top of band (£39,043), take-home pay is around £2,360/month.
How long does it take to reach top of Band 5?
It takes 4 years of continuous service. You move to £34,592 after 2 years and reach £39,043 after 4 years.