If you are searching “NHS band take-home pay”, you are usually trying to translate a pay scale into a monthly budget number. These band pages are designed to be evergreen: they explain how take-home pay works and link you to calculators for precise estimates.

Quick calculators:

For the announcement-style update and pay table context, use: NHS pay update 2026/27.


Choose your band below. Each page focuses on salary orientation + take-home mechanics and then sends you to the main calculator for a personalised estimate.

How to use these pages without duplication

To avoid cannibalisation, each band page targets the band-specific intent (for example, “Band 6 take home pay”), while the calculator targets the transactional intent (“calculate my NHS take-home pay”). The band pages should not try to replicate the calculator output.

Recommended setup

  • Band pages: salary points, hourly orientation, common deduction notes, links to calculator.
  • Calculator page: the “single source of truth” for personalised net pay.
  • News page: announcements, implementation dates, pay award narrative.

Why take-home pay differs between staff

Two people on the same gross salary can take home different amounts because take-home pay depends on tax code, NHS pension tier, student loan plan, and location (including Scottish income tax and HCAS for London).

If you want the evergreen explanation of why a pay rise can “feel smaller”, use: Pay rise take-home analysis →

Calculate your NHS take-home pay (any band)

Use the calculator for a personalised estimate including pension, student loans and region.

FAQs

Which NHS pay band am I in?

Your band is normally stated on your contract, job description and payslip. If you are unsure, your HR team or line manager can confirm your Agenda for Change band and pay point.

Does take-home pay change between England and Scotland?

Yes. Scotland uses different income tax bands and rates. If you pay Scottish income tax, use the NHS Scotland calculator.

Is Band 1 still available?

Band 1 is closed to new entrants. Some staff may still be on Band 1, but new roles typically start at Band 2 or above.

Why does my pay rise not translate 1:1 into take-home pay?

Pay awards increase gross pay, but take-home pay depends on deductions and thresholds such as pension tiers, Income Tax, National Insurance and student loans. For the evergreen explanation, see: pay rise take-home analysis.

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