NHS Agenda for Change Pay Calculator 2025/26
Enter your AfC band and pay point to calculate gross pay, income tax, National Insurance, pension contribution, and net take-home pay for NHS England staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NHS Agenda for Change (AfC)?
Agenda for Change is the pay system for most NHS staff in England (and devolved nations with their own variations). It covers all staff except doctors, dentists, and very senior managers. Pay is structured in 9 bands, each with multiple pay points that progress annually with satisfactory performance.
What are the NHS Band 5 pay points for 2025/26?
NHS Band 5 pay points for 2025/26 (England, estimated pending pay award): approximately £29,970 (entry), £31,534, £33,278, £34,580, up to around £35,392. Exact rates depend on the 2025 NHS Pay Award, typically announced in summer.
How do NHS Agenda for Change pay increments work?
AfC staff progress through pay points annually on their 'increment date' until they reach the top of their band. Progression is automatic unless there is a recorded unsatisfactory performance review. After reaching the top of the band, there are no further increments until a band change.
What is the NHS pension contribution rate?
NHS pension contributions are tiered by salary: 5.0% (up to £24,235); 6.5% (£24,236–£30,112); 7.2% (£30,113–£45,124); 9.5% (£45,125–£57,895); 11.4% (£57,896–£75,632); 12.7% (over £75,632). Employer contribution is 23.7%.
What is the NHS London High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS)?
HCAS is additional pay for staff working in London. Inner London staff receive 20% of basic pay (minimum £4,551, maximum £6,844/year). Outer London: 15% (minimum £4,016, maximum £5,132). Fringe: 5% (minimum £1,191, maximum £2,011).
Do NHS agency workers get AfC pay?
Agency workers supplying clinical staff are generally paid at AfC equivalent rates (as specified in NHS agency frameworks). Temporary and bank workers employed directly by NHS trusts are often paid AfC rates.
What are the NHS Band 8 sub-divisions?
Band 8 is split into four ranges: 8a (e.g., specialist managers, advanced practitioners), 8b (senior managers), 8c (associate directors), 8d (service directors). Each sub-band has its own pay points with significant gaps between sub-bands.
Can NHS staff work overtime above AfC hours?
Additional hours above contracted hours for part-time staff are paid at plain time (same hourly rate) if they are within standard hours. Hours above standard working time are paid at enhanced overtime rates. On-call enhancements are paid separately.
Is NHS pension worth opting into?
The NHS pension is a defined benefit (DB) scheme — one of the most valuable remaining DB pensions. Employer contributes 23.7% of salary. Despite high employee contributions, it provides guaranteed income in retirement indexed to inflation. Most financial advisers consider it worth joining.
What is annual leave entitlement under AfC?
AfC annual leave: 27 days for staff with under 5 years' NHS service; 29 days for 5–10 years; 33 days for over 10 years — plus 8 bank holidays. Bank holiday pay is enhanced for those required to work bank holidays.
Do GPs and consultants use AfC?
No. GPs are independent contractors with separate contract arrangements (GMS/PMS). Hospital consultants use the Medical and Dental pay scales. AfC covers nursing, allied health professions, administrative, and non-medical clinical staff.
How does Scotland's AfC differ from England?
Scotland has its own NHS pay negotiation, typically conducted separately from England. Scottish NHS staff received different pay awards in recent years. Pay bands are the same structure but may have different actual values. Check NHS Scotland pay circulars for exact rates.