NHS pay scales 2026/27
Annual pay for every Agenda for Change band and pay point, taken from the official tables for England and Scotland.
NHS pay bands 2026/27: England
After the 3.3% award, in force from 1 April 2026. Source: NHS Employers.
| Band | Entry | Middle | Top | Take-home pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | £25,272 | - | - | Band 2 pay |
| Band 3 | £25,760 | - | £27,476 | Band 3 pay |
| Band 4 | £28,392 | - | £31,157 | Band 4 pay |
| Band 5 | £32,073 | £34,592 | £39,043 | Band 5 pay |
| Band 6 | £39,959 | £42,170 | £48,117 | Band 6 pay |
| Band 7 | £49,387 | £51,932 | £56,515 | Band 7 pay |
| Band 8a | £57,528 | £60,417 | £64,750 | Band 8a pay |
| Band 8b | £66,582 | £70,896 | £77,368 | Band 8b pay |
| Band 8c | £79,504 | £84,346 | £91,609 | Band 8c pay |
| Band 8d | £94,356 | £100,140 | £108,814 | Band 8d pay |
| Band 9 | £112,782 | £119,583 | £129,783 | Band 9 pay |
NHS Scotland pay scales 2026/27
After the 3.75% award, in force from 1 April 2026. Source: gov.scot.
| Band | Entry | Middle | Top | Take-home pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | £26,696 | - | £28,988 | Band 2 pay |
| Band 3 | £29,103 | - | £31,409 | Band 3 pay |
| Band 4 | £31,537 | - | £34,303 | Band 4 pay |
| Band 5 | £34,544 | £36,911 | £43,039 | Band 5 pay |
| Band 6 | £43,231 | £45,135 | £52,679 | Band 6 pay |
| Band 7 | £52,845 | £54,863 | £61,466 | Band 7 pay |
| Band 8a | £65,125 | - | £70,303 | Band 8a pay |
| Band 8b | £76,888 | - | £82,251 | Band 8b pay |
| Band 8c | £90,808 | - | £97,338 | Band 8c pay |
| Band 8d | £107,810 | - | £112,426 | Band 8d pay |
| Band 9 | £127,521 | - | £133,044 | Band 9 pay |
London weighting (HCAS) in England
| Zone | Share of basic pay | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner London | 20% | £5,794 | £8,746 |
| Outer London | 15% | £4,870 | £6,137 |
| Fringe | 5% | £1,346 | £2,270 |
Full-time rates. See how London weighting works. Wales and Northern Ireland scales are not included yet.
NHS pay band questions
What are the NHS pay bands?
Agenda for Change has bands 1 to 9, with band 8 split into 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d. Band 1 is closed to new starters. Most roles sit in bands 2 to 7: healthcare assistants are usually band 2 or 3, newly qualified nurses band 5, and experienced nurses and some allied health professionals band 6 or 7. Each band has a few pay points that staff move up over time.
How much does an NHS Band 5 earn in 2026/27?
In England a Band 5 earns £32,073 at the entry point, £34,592 in the middle and £39,043 at the top. In Scotland the same band runs from £34,544 to £43,039.
Why are NHS Scotland pay scales different?
Scotland agrees its own Agenda for Change pay deal. The 2026/27 award there is 3.75% from 1 April 2026, against 3.3% in England, and some bands have fewer pay points. Scottish pay is also based on a 36 hour week rather than 37.5.
Do these figures include London weighting?
No, they are basic pay. In England a High Cost Area Supplement is added for inner London, outer London and the fringe. The rates are at the bottom of this page.