NHS Band 5 vs Band 7 — Salary, Pay & Roles Compared

Band 7 pays £14,679 more per year at starting salary — that's roughly £721.53 extra per month after deductions.

Salary Difference

+£14,679/yr

Take Home Difference

+£721.53/mo

Band 5Band 7

Pay

Starting salary£31,469£46,148
Top of band£38,626£52,809
Take home (start)£1,963.78£2,685.30
Take home (top)£2,295.41£2,961.34
Hourly rate£16.14£23.67

Deductions & Benefits

Pension rate8.3%9.8%
Pay steps44
Overtime eligibleYesYes

Entry Requirements

Typical training3 years3 years

Typical Roles

Examples
Staff NurseMidwifePhysiotherapistOccupational Therapist
Ward ManagerAdvanced Clinical PractitionerClinical Specialist PhysiotherapistMatron / Modern Matron

What Changes from Band 5 to Band 7?

Moving from Band 5 to Band 7 means a pay increase of £14,679/year at starting salary, which works out to roughly £721.53/month more in your pocket after tax, NI and pension.

Your pension contribution rate increases from 8.3% to 9.8%, 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 7 roles typically require more experience, responsibility, or qualifications than Band 5. Check the roles table above to see what's expected at each level.

Band 5 vs Band 7 FAQ

Band 7 starts at £46,148 compared to £31,469 for Band 5 — a difference of £14,679 per year. After tax, NI and pension, that works out to roughly £721.53 more per month in your pocket.