NHS Band 5 is one of the most searched pay bands because it covers a large number of clinical and professional roles, including many newly qualified staff. If you are trying to plan your budget for 2026/27, the important number is not your gross salary, it is what lands in your bank account after deductions.
This page explains the Band 5 take-home mechanics. If you want the pay award headline and background context, read the separate update page: NHS pay update 2026/27.
- Take-home pay (England/WalesNI): Band 5 Take-Home Calculator
- Resident in Scotland? Band 5 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 5 salary and hourly rate (2026/27)
Band 5 pay varies by pay point. If you are searching “Band 5 take home pay”, you are usually trying to translate the annual pay scale into a monthly bank-account number.
| Band 5 position | Gross salary (annual) | Hourly rate (orientation only) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £32,073 | £16.40 |
| Mid band | £34,592 | £17.69 |
| Top of band | £39,042 | £19.97 |
These figures are a quick orientation only. Your exact hourly rate depends on contracted hours and pay point. For precision, use NHS Salary to Hourly.
2. Estimated Band 5 take-home pay (monthly)
Take-home pay depends on your deductions. The most common deductions affecting Band 5 are: Income Tax, National Insurance, NHS pension contributions and student loans.
Typical Band 5 monthly take-home ranges
These ranges are deliberately broad because your pension tier and student loan status can change the result.
- Entry level: ~£1,950 – £2,050 per month
- Mid band: ~£2,050 – £2,150 per month
- Top of band: ~£2,250 – £2,350 per month
Monthly Take-Home Pay includes pension contibution for entry level (£32,073) is 8.3% (£27,798 to £33,868), for middle (£34,592) and top of the band (£39,043) is 9.8% (£33,869 to £50,845). Exclude student loans and other deductions. Please check calcualtor below for detailed calculations.
To get your exact estimate, run your Band 5 numbers: Band 5 Take-Home Calculator.
3. How does it compare to the previous year?
With a 3.3% pay rise announced, the following breakdown shows the specific impact on Band 5 compared to last year:
| Band 5 position | Gross annual salary 2025/26 | Gross annual salary 2026/27 | Annual increase | Hourly rate 2025/26 | Hourly rate 2026/27 | Hourly increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £31,049 | £32,073 | +£1,024 | ***£15.88–£16 | ***£16.45–£17 | ***+£0.57–£1 |
| Mid band | £33,487 | £34,592 | +£1,105 | ***£17.00–£17.13 | ***£17.50–£18 | ***+£0.50–£0.87 |
| Top of band | £37,796 | £39,043 | +£1,247 | ***£19–£19.33 | ***£20–£20.50 | ***+£1–£1.17 |
***Calculated as Gross hourly rates. For net hourly rates (after tax) please check the link for calculator below.
These figures are a quick orientation only. Your exact hourly rate depends on contracted hours and pay point. For precision, use NHS Salary to Hourly.
4. Why your net increase can be smaller than expected
The headline pay award applies to your gross salary. Your take-home can rise by less than the headline percentage because your deductions do not stay flat.
Common reasons for Band 5
- Pension tier changes: a pay uplift can move you into a higher contribution tier, increasing pension deductions.
- Student loans: if you are above your threshold, part of the uplift is deducted at the student loan repayment rate.
- Marginal tax effects: the extra earnings are reduced by tax and NI at marginal rates.
5. London weighting (HCAS) for Band 5
If you work in London areas covered by HCAS, your gross pay may include an additional supplement. HCAS increases gross pay, but it is still subject to tax, NI and pension deductions. If you are near an HCAS cap, the effective uplift can be lower than the headline percentage on total pay.
6. Scotland vs England take-home differences
Scotland has different income tax bands and rates. That means a Band 5 staff member can see a different take-home outcome in Scotland compared with England and Wales, Northern Ireland for the same gross salary.
If you pay Scottish income tax, use the Scotland version: Band 5 Scotland Calculator.
Calculate your exact Band 5 take-home pay
Get a personalised estimate based on pension contributions, student loans and location.
7. FAQs
How much does a Band 5 nurse take home per month?
Many Band 5 staff take home roughly £1,950 to £2,350 per month, depending on pay point and deductions. Use the Band 5 calculator for an exact estimate.
What is the Band 5 hourly rate?
Band 5 hourly rates depend on pay point and contracted hours, but they commonly sit in the mid-teens to around £20. Convert your salary precisely with NHS Salary to Hourly.
Does Band 5 take-home pay change if I have a student loan?
Yes. If you are above the threshold for your plan, part of your pay is deducted for student loan repayments. This can reduce the visible uplift from the pay award.