NHS pay bands 2026/27: Agenda for Change England
England’s Agenda for Change salaries from 1 April 2026.
These are annual basic salaries for 37.5 hours a week, before tax, pension and other deductions. HCAS and unsocial hours payments are additional. Band 1 is closed to new entrants.
| Band | Entry | Intermediate | Top |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 1 (closed) | £25,272 | — | — |
| Band 2 | £25,272 | — | £25,272 |
| Band 3 | £25,760 | — | £27,476 |
| Band 4 | £28,392 | — | £31,157 |
| Band 5 | £32,073 | £34,592 | £39,043 |
| Band 6 | £39,959 | £42,170 | £48,117 |
| Band 7 | £49,387 | £51,932 | £56,515 |
| Band 8a | £57,528 | £60,417 | £64,750 |
| Band 8b | £66,582 | £70,896 | £77,368 |
| Band 8c | £79,504 | £84,346 | £91,609 |
| Band 8d | £94,356 | £100,140 | £108,814 |
| Band 9 | £112,782 | £119,583 | £129,783 |
Source: NHS Employers, pay scales for 2026/27. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate pay scales.
When do pay points change?
Bands 2 and 3 have entry and top points at under two and two or more years. Band 4 uses under three and three or more years. Band 5 has points at entry, two and four years. Bands 6 to 9 have points at entry, two and five years.
Pay progression depends on meeting the pay-step requirements. NHS terms and conditions handbook, Annex 2.
From basic salary to take-home pay
Choose your band, point, hours and London Weighting in the NHS pay calculator. NHS Pension is included by default and uses actual pensionable pay.