NHS Band 8a vs Band 8b — Salary, Pay & Roles Compared
Band 8b pays £12,073 more per year at starting salary — that's roughly £424.91 extra per month after deductions.
Salary Difference
+£12,073/yr
Take Home Difference
+£424.91/mo
Pay
Deductions & Benefits
Entry Requirements
Typical Roles
What Changes from Band 8a to Band 8b?
Moving from Band 8a to Band 8b means a pay increase of £12,073/year at starting salary, which works out to roughly £424.91/month more in your pocket after tax, NI and pension.
Your pension contribution rate increases from 10.7% to 11.6%, 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 8b roles typically require more experience, responsibility, or qualifications than Band 8a. Check the roles table above to see what's expected at each level.
Band 8a vs Band 8b FAQ
Band 8b starts at £67,950 compared to £55,877 for Band 8a — a difference of £12,073 per year. After tax, NI and pension, that works out to roughly £424.91 more per month in your pocket.