NHS Band 4 vs Band 5 — Salary, Pay & Roles Compared

Band 5 pays £3,681 more per year at starting salary — that's roughly £166.42 extra per month after deductions.

Salary Difference

+£3,681/yr

Take Home Difference

+£166.42/mo

Band 4Band 5

Pay

Starting salary£28,392£32,073
Top of band£31,157£39,043
Take home (start)£1,873.79£2,040.21
Take home (top)£1,990.32£2,380.80
Hourly rate£14.56£16.45

Deductions & Benefits

Pension rate6.5%8.3%
Pay steps23
Overtime eligibleYesYes

Entry Requirements

Typical training2 years3 years

Typical Roles

Examples
Assistant PractitionerNursing AssociatePharmacy TechnicianSenior Administrator
Staff NurseMidwifePhysiotherapistOccupational Therapist

What Changes from Band 4 to Band 5?

Moving from Band 4 to Band 5 means a pay increase of £3,681/year at starting salary, which works out to roughly £166.42/month more in your pocket after tax, NI and pension.

Your pension contribution rate increases from 6.5% to 8.3%, which means a slightly higher deduction — but remember, the NHS pension is one of the best in the UK, so the extra contribution builds more retirement income.

Band 5 roles typically require more experience, responsibility, or qualifications than Band 4. Check the roles table above to see what's expected at each level.

Band 4 vs Band 5 FAQ

Band 5 starts at £32,073 compared to £28,392 for Band 4 — a difference of £3,681 per year. After tax, NI and pension, that works out to roughly £166.42 more per month in your pocket.