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

Band 7 pays £17,314 more per year at starting salary — that's roughly £893.65 extra per month after deductions.

Salary Difference

+£17,314/yr

Take Home Difference

+£893.65/mo

Band 5Band 7

Pay

Starting salary£32,073£49,387
Top of band£39,043£56,515
Take home (start)£2,040.21£2,933.86
Take home (top)£2,380.80£3,308.99
Hourly rate£16.45£25.33

Deductions & Benefits

Pension rate8.3%9.8%
Pay steps33
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 £17,314/year at starting salary, which works out to roughly £893.65/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 £49,387 compared to £32,073 for Band 5 — a difference of £17,314 per year. After tax, NI and pension, that works out to roughly £893.65 more per month in your pocket.