NHS Pay Calculator 2026/27:
Calculate Your Salary With 3.3% Pay Rise
Calculate your accurate NHS take-home pay, including pension contributions and National Insurance.
Updated with the latest 3.3% pay rise projections.
NHS Band Salaries 2026/27: Full Comparison Table
The table below compares the current 2025/26 Agenda for Change pay scales with the projected 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 NHS Agenda for Change Pay Bands Work
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 (£24,394): Healthcare Assistants, Porters, Domestic Staff. Single pay point since 2021.
- 5Band 5 (£30,959–£37,687): Newly Qualified Nurses, Paramedics, Physiotherapists. Most searched band.
- 6Band 6 (£38,570–£46,446): Ward Sisters, Senior Specialists, Charge Nurses.
- 7Band 7 (£47,671–£54,552): Advanced Practitioners, Team Leaders, Clinical Specialists.
Staff automatically progress through pay points annually until they reach the top of their band. You can switch to the 2026/27 rates in the calculator above to see your projected salary.
NHS Pay by Region
Pay bands differ across the UK devolved nations. Our calculator supports all four regions with their specific scales.
High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS)
If you work in or near London, select your zone in the calculator to include your HCAS automatically.
🏴 Scotland: Separate Deal
Scotland negotiated a 3.75% pay rise for 2026/27 — higher than England's 3.3%. Select “Scotland” in the calculator to use the correct rates.
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. Our calculator applies these automatically.
2025/26 Pension Tiers
2026/27 Pension Tiers (Projected)
Key point: NHS Pension contributions are deducted before tax (net pay arrangement), which means you get tax relief automatically. A Band 5 nurse on £30,959 would contribute 8.3% (£2,570/year), but the real cost after tax relief is approximately £2,056. Our calculator handles this automatically — just select your band above.
Frequently Asked Questions About NHS Pay 2026/27
How much will I earn with the 3.3% NHS pay rise in 2026?
Use our calculator above to see your exact salary based on your band and experience level.
What is Band 5 NHS salary for 2026/27?
Starting Band 5 nurse salary is approximately £30,959 after the 3.3% pay rise (up from £29,970 in 2025/26). Experienced Band 5 staff (4+ years) will earn £37,687.
Does the 3.3% pay rise apply to all NHS bands?
Yes, the 3.3% increase applies to all Agenda for Change staff (Bands 2-9) from April 1st, 2026. This includes enhancements for unsocial hours and High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS).
How does the NHS pay rise affect Band 2 healthcare assistants?
Band 2 salary increases to approximately £24,394 (from £23,615 in 2025/26). This is the new minimum entry point for NHS staff.
When does the 2026 NHS pay rise start?
The new 3.3% pay rise takes effect from April 1st, 2026. If the deal is agreed on time, you should see the new rate in your April payslip.
Does this calculator use NHS Wales or Scotland rates?
Our calculator supports England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland rates. Select your region at the top to load the specific pay bands and pension tiers for your location. Scotland has a separate 3.75% deal.
Does this include Saturday and Sunday enhancements?
Yes! Use the "Unsocial Hours" section to enter your average weekly shift hours. We verify the correct Agenda for Change uplift rates (Section 2) for your specific Band.