NHS Band 6 is a common progression band for experienced clinicians and professionals. If you are budgeting for 2026/27, the key number is your take-home pay after deductions, not the headline gross salary.
This page explains Band 6 take-home mechanics and shows the Band 6 salary points for 2026/27. For the pay award announcement context, use: NHS pay update 2026/27.
- Take-home pay (England/Wales/NI): Band 6 Take-Home Calculator
- Resident in Scotland? Band 6 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 6 salary and hourly rate (2026/27)
Band 6 pay varies by pay point. If you are searching “Band 6 take home pay”, you are usually trying to translate the annual pay scale into monthly take-home pay and an hourly rate for overtime or bank shifts.
| Band 6 position | Gross annual salary (2026/27) | Hourly rate (gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £39,959 | *£20 – £20.50 |
| Intermediate | £42,170 | *£21 – £21.65 |
| Top of band | £48,117 | *£24 – £24.68 |
*Gross hourly rate orientation. For a precise conversion based on your contracted hours, use: NHS Salary to Hourly.
Salary points are shown for quick reference. For personalised take-home pay (after deductions), use the Band 6 calculator.
2. Estimated Band 6 take-home pay (monthly)
Take-home pay depends on deductions. Common items that affect Band 6 outcomes include: Income Tax, National Insurance, NHS pension contributions, student loans and any additional pay elements.
Typical Band 6 monthly take-home ranges
These ranges are deliberately broad because pension tiers, tax codes and student loans can change the result.
- Entry level: ~£2,450 – £2,650 per month
- Intermediate: ~£2,550 – £2,800 per month
- Top of band: ~£2,850 – £3,100 per month
For an accurate estimate based on your situation, use: Band 6 Take-Home Calculator.
3. 2026/27 vs 2025/26 (Band 6 pay rise impact)
With the 2026/27 uplift applied, the table below shows a simple comparison of Band 6 points year-on-year. This is useful for a quick “gross” sense-check. Take-home changes will differ after deductions.
| Band 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £38,682 | £39,959 | +£1,277 | ***£19.50 – £19.78 | ***£20 – £20.50 | ***+£0.22 – £1.00 |
| Intermediate | £38,695 | £42,170 | +£3,475 | ***£20.50 – £20.88 | ***£21 – £21.65 | ***+£0.12 – £1.15 |
| Top of band | £46,580 | £48,117 | +£1,537 | ***£23.50 – £23.82 | ***£24 – £24.68 | ***+£0.18 – £1.18 |
***Gross hourly rate orientation. If you want to see what you keep after deductions, use: Band 6 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 change the “in-pocket” result.
Common reasons for Band 6
- Pension contribution tiers: Band 6 is often close to points where a tier change can increase pension deductions.
- Marginal rate effects: the extra earnings are reduced by Income Tax and NI at marginal rates.
- Student loans: if you repay a student loan above your threshold, part of the uplift is deducted.
5. London weighting (HCAS) for Band 6
If you receive HCAS (London weighting), it increases gross pay but remains subject to deductions. If you are near a cap, your total pay 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 6 gross salary can produce a different take-home figure depending on where you pay income tax.
If you pay Scottish income tax, use the Scotland version: Band 6 Scotland Calculator.
Calculate your exact Band 6 take-home pay
Get a personalised estimate based on pension contributions, student loans and location.
7. FAQs
How much does Band 6 take home per month?
Many Band 6 staff take home roughly £2,450 to £3,100 per month depending on pay point and deductions. Use the Band 6 calculator for a tailored estimate.
What is the Band 6 hourly rate?
Band 6 hourly rates vary by pay point and contracted hours. In 2026/27, the gross hourly orientation is around £20 to £24.68. Convert your pay point precisely with NHS Salary to Hourly.
Why does Band 6 often show up in take-home pay searches?
Band 6 sits in a range where pension tiers and marginal deductions can noticeably change outcomes. Even a small percentage change in deductions can make the take-home uplift feel smaller than expected.