NHS Band 8b vs Band 8c — Salary, Pay & Roles Compared

Band 8c pays £12,922 more per year at starting salary — that's roughly £483.88 extra per month after deductions.

Salary Difference

+£12,922/yr

Take Home Difference

+£483.88/mo

Band 8bBand 8c

Pay

Starting salary£66,582£79,504
Top of band£77,368£91,609
Take home (start)£3,741.70£4,225.58
Take home (top)£4,135.69£4,735.00
Hourly rate£34.14£40.77

Deductions & Benefits

Pension rate10.7%12.5%
Pay steps33
Overtime eligibleNoNo

Entry Requirements

Typical training5-7 years5-7 years

Typical Roles

Examples
Associate Director of NursingHead of TherapiesSenior Clinical DirectorLead Pharmacist
Deputy Director of NursingDivisional DirectorDeputy Chief Operating OfficerDirector

What Changes from Band 8b to Band 8c?

Moving from Band 8b to Band 8c means a pay increase of £12,922/year at starting salary, which works out to roughly £483.88/month more in your pocket after tax, NI and pension.

Your pension contribution rate increases from 10.7% to 12.5%, 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 8c roles typically require more experience, responsibility, or qualifications than Band 8b. Check the roles table above to see what's expected at each level.

Band 8b vs Band 8c FAQ

Band 8c starts at £79,504 compared to £66,582 for Band 8b — a difference of £12,922 per year. After tax, NI and pension, that works out to roughly £483.88 more per month in your pocket.