Band 9 is the highest Agenda for Change pay band and is commonly associated with very senior leadership positions. At this income level, higher marginal tax exposure and a 12.5% pension contribution can materially affect take-home pay.
This page focuses on the Band 9 pay points and take-home mechanics. For the wider pay award announcement, see: NHS pay update 2026/27.
- Take-home pay (England/Wales/NI): Band 9 Take-Home Calculator
- Resident in Scotland? Band 9 Scotland Calculator
- Hourly rate from annual salary: Convert NHS Salary to Hourly
Prefer the all-band calculator? Use: NHS Take-Home Pay Calculator
On this page
1. Band 9 salary and hourly rate (2026/27)
Band 9 pay varies by pay point. Many people searching Band 9 take-home pay want a quick translation from annual salary to an hourly reference and an expected monthly take-home range.
| Band 9 position | Gross annual salary (2026/27) | Hourly rate (gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £112,782 | *£57.68 |
| Intermediate | £119,583 | *£61.16 |
| Top of band | £129,783 | *£66.37 |
*Gross hourly rate orientation. For a precise conversion based on your contracted hours, use: NHS Salary to Hourly.
2. Estimated Band 9 take-home pay (monthly)
Take-home pay depends on your deductions. At Band 9, a large share of additional income can be affected by higher marginal tax and a 12.5% pension contribution.
Typical Band 9 monthly take-home ranges
These ranges are deliberately broad because tax codes, pensionable pay, additional earnings and other deductions can change the result.
- Entry level: ~£5,600 – £6,100 per month
- Intermediate: ~£6,100 – £6,700 per month
- Top of band: ~£6,700 – £7,200 per month
For an exact estimate based on your circumstances, use: Band 9 Take-Home Calculator.
3. 2026/27 vs 2025/26 (Band 9 comparison)
The table below shows the year-on-year change in gross salary and gross hourly reference rates. Your net change can differ once deductions are applied.
| Band 9 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 | £109,179 | £112,782 | +£3,603 | £55.84 | £57.68 | +£1.84 |
| Intermediate | £115,763 | £119,583 | +£3,820 | £59.20 | £61.16 | +£1.96 |
| Top of band | £125,637 | £129,783 | +£4,146 | £64.25 | £66.37 | +£2.12 |
Take-home pay does not usually increase in the same proportion as gross pay because deductions and thresholds change the “in-pocket” outcome. For a personalised estimate, use the take-home calculator.
4. Why net pay changes can look smaller than gross
At Band 9, the difference between gross and net can be more noticeable because: pension contributions are commonly 12.5% and more income may sit within higher marginal tax exposure. That means you keep less of each additional pound compared with lower pay bands.
Common reasons at Band 9
- Pension at 12.5%: a higher contribution rate reduces take-home and can shift totals more than expected.
- Higher marginal tax exposure: more of the increase can be reduced by higher-rate taxation depending on total income.
- Other deductions: additional adjustments can come from tax code changes or other payroll elements.
5. Scotland vs England take-home differences
Scotland has different income tax bands and rates, which can change take-home pay outcomes at higher salaries. If you pay Scottish income tax, use: Band 9 Scotland Calculator.
Calculate your exact Band 9 take-home pay
Get a personalised estimate based on pension contributions, tax code, and location.
6. FAQs
Is Band 9 always in the 12.5% NHS pension tier?
Many Band 9 salaries fall within a 12.5% contribution tier, but your exact rate depends on whole-time equivalent pensionable pay and scheme rules. Check your payslip or use the calculator with pension enabled.
What is the Band 9 hourly rate in 2026/27?
Gross hourly reference rates range from about £57.68 to £66.37 depending on pay point. For a precise figure for your contracted hours, use NHS Salary to Hourly.
Why can Band 9 take-home pay vary so much between people?
Tax code, pensionable pay, location, additional earnings and other deductions can all change net pay outcomes. Two staff on the same gross salary can have different take-home pay.