What is the difference between Band 5 and Band 6 in the NHS?

Band 5 (staff nurses, paramedics) starts at £29,970 and rises to £36,483. Band 6 (senior practitioners, specialist nurses) starts at £37,338 and can reach £44,962. Band 6 roles involve specialist knowledge, autonomous practice, or supervisory responsibility.

NHS Pay Calculator by Band

Q: What are the NHS Band pay scales for 2026-27?

The 2026-27 AfC scales are: Band 1 from £23,615; Band 2 £24,071–£25,655; Band 3 £24,625–£26,288; Band 4 £26,530–£29,114; Band 5 £29,970–£36,483; Band 6 £37,338–£44,962; Band 7 £46,148–£52,809; Band 8a £53,755–£60,504; Band 8b £62,215–£72,293; Band 9 from £105,385.

Q: How is NHS pension calculated?

NHS pension contributions are tiered from 5.2% for salaries up to £23,099, rising to 12.5% for pay above £111,376. The 2015 NHS Pension Scheme is a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme.

Q: Does NHS pay differ between England, Scotland and Wales?

Yes. While the core AfC framework applies across Great Britain, pay uplifts can differ between devolved nations. Scotland and Wales sometimes apply different percentage increases.

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NHS Band

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Weekly hours Full-time = 37.5 hours

2026-27 NHS AfC Pay Scales

Band	Min	Max	Typical roles
Band 1	£23,615	£23,615	Porters, domestic staff
Band 2	£24,071	£25,655	HCA, receptionist
Band 3	£24,625	£26,288	Senior HCA, admin
Band 4	£26,530	£29,114	Assistant practitioner
Band 5	£29,970	£36,483	Staff nurse, paramedic
Band 6	£37,338	£44,962	Senior nurse, specialist
Band 7	£46,148	£52,809	Advanced practitioner
Band 8a	£53,755	£60,504	Consultant practitioner
Band 8b	£62,215	£72,293	Senior manager
Band 9	£105,385	+	Executive director

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the NHS Band pay scales for 2026-27?

The 2026-27 AfC scales run from Band 1 at £23,615 through to Band 9 at £105,385+. Band 5 (most nurses) starts at £29,970 and Band 7 starts at £46,148.

How is NHS pension calculated?

NHS pension contributions are tiered from 5.2% for lower salaries up to 12.5% for the highest earners. The 2015 NHS Pension Scheme is a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme.

Does NHS pay differ between England, Scotland and Wales?

Yes. While the core AfC framework applies throughout Great Britain, pay uplifts are decided separately by the devolved governments, so Scotland and Wales may apply different percentage increases.

How is part-time NHS pay calculated?

Part-time pay is pro-rated from the full-time 37.5-hour week. Working 30 hours per week gives 80% of the full-time salary. Tax, NIC and pension are applied to the reduced gross salary.

What is the difference between Band 5 and Band 6?

Band 5 (staff nurses, newly qualified AHPs) starts at £29,970. Band 6 (specialist nurses, senior practitioners) starts at £37,338 and reflects greater autonomy, specialist knowledge, or supervisory responsibility.