Band 2 is often searched by staff who want a simple monthly take-home estimate for budgeting. The key thing to remember is that your gross salary is not the same as your take-home pay. Your payslip deductions determine what actually reaches your bank account.
This page focuses on Band 2 take-home mechanics and the Band 2 salary point for 2026/27. For the pay award announcement context, use: NHS pay update 2026/27.
- Take-home pay (England/Wales/NI): Band 2 Take-Home Calculator
- Resident in Scotland? Band 2 Scotland Calculator
- Hourly rate from annual salary: Convert NHS Salary to Hourly
- Annual salary from hourly rate: Convert NHS Hourly to Salary
- Hourly rate from monthly pay: Convert NHS Monthly Pay to Hourly
Prefer the all-band calculator? Use: NHS Take-Home Pay Calculator
On this page
1. Band 2 salary and hourly rate (2026/27)
Band 2 pay is a single pay point. The figures below give a quick orientation for gross annual salary and gross hourly rate.
| Band 2 position | Gross annual salary (2026/27) | Hourly rate (gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Single pay point | £25,272 | *£12.92 |
*Gross hourly rate orientation. For a precise conversion based on your contracted hours, use: NHS Salary to Hourly.
Salary point is shown for quick reference. For personalised take-home pay (after deductions), use the NHS take-home calculator.
2. Estimated Band 2 take-home pay (monthly)
Your take-home pay depends on deductions such as Income Tax, National Insurance, and NHS pension contributions. Even if your gross pay is the same as a colleague’s, take-home pay can differ because of tax codes, pension choices and any other deductions.
Typical Band 2 monthly take-home range
This range is deliberately broad because pension contributions and other deductions can change the result.
- Single pay point: ~£1,600 – £1,850 per month
For an accurate estimate based on your situation, use: Band 2 Take-Home Calculator.
3. 2026/27 vs 2025/26 (Band 2 pay rise impact)
The table below shows a simple gross comparison year-on-year. Take-home changes can differ once deductions are applied.
| Band 2 position | Gross annual salary 2025/26 | Gross annual salary 2026/27 | Annual increase | Hourly rate 2025/26 (gross) | Hourly rate 2026/27 (gross) | Hourly increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single pay point | £24,465 | £25,272 | +£807 | £12.51 | £12.92 | +£0.41 |
Take-home pay does not usually increase in the same proportion as gross pay because of deductions and thresholds. For a personalised estimate, use the NHS take-home calculator.
4. Why your net increase can be smaller than expected
The headline uplift applies to gross pay. Your take-home can rise by less than the headline percentage because deductions and thresholds affect the “in-pocket” result.
Common reasons for Band 2
- Pension contributions: pension deductions reduce what you keep from the uplift.
- Marginal deductions: the extra earnings are reduced by tax and NI at marginal rates.
- Other payroll deductions: any regular deductions can reduce the visible uplift.
5. London weighting (HCAS) for Band 2
If you receive HCAS (London weighting), it increases gross pay but remains subject to deductions. If you are near an HCAS cap, your total uplift can be lower than expected even if basic pay rises.
6. Scotland vs England take-home differences
Scotland uses different income tax bands and rates, so the same Band 2 gross salary can produce a different take-home outcome depending on where you pay income tax.
If you pay Scottish income tax, use the Scotland version: Band 2 Scotland Calculator.
Calculate your exact Band 2 take-home pay
Get a personalised estimate based on pension contributions and location.
7. FAQs
How much does Band 2 take home per month?
Many Band 2 staff take home roughly £1,600 to £1,850 per month depending on pension contributions and deductions. Use the take-home calculator for a tailored estimate.
What is the Band 2 hourly rate?
In 2026/27, Band 2 gross hourly rate is around £12.92. Convert your pay precisely with NHS Salary to Hourly.
Why can Band 2 take-home pay differ between people on the same pay point?
Tax codes, pension contributions, Scottish tax treatment, and any other payroll deductions can change the net outcome.