NHS Pay Bands 2026/27 — Complete Salary Guide

All Agenda for Change pay bands with confirmed 2026/27 salaries and estimated monthly take-home pay after tax, National Insurance and NHS pension deductions.

Quick Reference — All Bands

Band	Starting Salary	Top of Band	Pension %	Monthly Take Home
Band 2	£24,169	£24,872	6.5%	£1,612.52
Band 3	£25,329	£26,342	6.5%	£1,675.84
Band 4	£27,125	£28,930	6.5%	£1,773.87
Band 5	£31,469	£38,626	8.3%	£1,963.78
Band 6	£37,890	£44,962	9.8%	£2,257.27
Band 7	£46,148	£52,809	9.8%	£2,685.30
Band 9	£115,426	£132,742	12.5%	£5,127.80
Band 8a	£55,877	£65,448	10.7%	£3,082.27
Band 8b	£67,950	£78,964	11.6%	£3,507.18
Band 8c	£81,138	£92,152	12.5%	£3,956.27
Band 8d	£96,340	£110,792	12.5%	£4,532.68

Band 2

Band 2 is the entry-level AfC band covering healthcare assistants, porters, receptionists and domestic staff. Starting salary is £24,169 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£24,169

Take home

£1,612.52/mo

Healthcare AssistantPorterReceptionist

Band 3

Band 3 covers senior healthcare assistants, phlebotomists and emergency care assistants. Starting salary is £25,329 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£25,329

Take home

£1,675.84/mo

Senior Healthcare AssistantPhlebotomistEmergency Care Assistant

Band 4

Band 4 covers assistant practitioners, nursing associates and senior administrators. Starting salary is £27,125 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£27,125

Take home

£1,773.87/mo

Assistant PractitionerNursing AssociateSenior Administrator

Band 5

Band 5 is the most common band for newly qualified nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. Starting salary is £31,469 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£31,469

Take home

£1,963.78/mo

Staff NurseMidwifePhysiotherapist

Band 6

Band 6 covers senior clinical staff including senior nurses, specialist practitioners and team leaders. Starting salary is £37,890 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£37,890

Take home

£2,257.27/mo

Senior NurseSenior PhysiotherapistSpecialist Practitioner

Band 7

Band 7 covers ward managers, advanced practitioners and clinical leads. Starting salary is £46,148 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£46,148

Take home

£2,685.30/mo

Ward ManagerAdvanced PractitionerClinical Lead

Band 9

Band 9 is the highest AfC band, covering the most senior roles. Starting salary is £115,426 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£115,426

Take home

£5,127.80/mo

Chief Executive (smaller trusts)Executive DirectorVery Senior Manager

Band 8a

Band 8a covers consultant-level allied health professionals and senior managers. Starting salary is £55,877 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£55,877

Take home

£3,082.27/mo

Consultant Allied Health ProfessionalSenior ManagerPrincipal Clinical Psychologist

Band 8b

Band 8b covers associate directors and senior consultant-level roles. Starting salary is £67,950 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£67,950

Take home

£3,507.18/mo

Associate DirectorSenior ConsultantHead of Nursing

Band 8c

Band 8c covers deputy and divisional director roles. Starting salary is £81,138 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£81,138

Take home

£3,956.27/mo

Deputy DirectorDivisional DirectorSenior Clinical Director

Band 8d

Band 8d covers director-level roles within NHS trusts. Starting salary is £96,340 for 2026/27.

Starting salary

£96,340

Take home

£4,532.68/mo

DirectorChief NurseChief Operating Officer