NHS Band 2 Take Home Pay Calculator 2026/27
Band 2 is the entry-level AfC band covering healthcare assistants, porters, receptionists and domestic staff. Starting salary is £24,169 for 2026/27.
Starting Salary
£24,169
Top of Band
£24,872
Starting Take Home
£1,612.52/mo
Top Take Home
£1,650.90/mo
Band 2 Take Home Pay Table 2026/27
| Step | Gross Salary | Monthly Take Home |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | £24,169 | £1,612.52 |
| Step 2 | £24,872 | £1,650.90 |
Based on standard 37.5-hour week, Rest of UK (no HCAS), with NHS pension, no student loan. Use calculator below for exact figures.
Calculate Your Exact Band 2 Take Home Pay
Monthly Take Home Pay
Net Monthly Pay
£1,612.52
£372.12/week · £19,350.30/year
Income
Deductions
Band 2 Jobs — Roles & Qualifications
Here are the typical roles you'll find at Band 2, what qualifications you need, and how long it takes to get there.
Healthcare Assistant
Supports nurses and other clinical staff with direct patient care, including washing, dressing, feeding, and monitoring observations such as blood pressure and temperature.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital
Porter
Transports patients, equipment, specimens, and supplies around the hospital, ensuring items reach the correct departments safely and on time.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital
Domestic / Housekeeper
Maintains cleanliness and hygiene standards across wards and departments, carrying out infection-control cleaning schedules to keep the hospital environment safe for patients and staff.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital
Receptionist / Ward Clerk
Provides front-of-house administrative support on a ward or in a GP surgery, greeting patients, answering telephone enquiries, and managing appointment bookings and patient records.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital & GP Practice
Catering Assistant
Prepares and serves meals for patients and staff, following strict dietary requirements and food-safety regulations within the hospital kitchen or ward pantry.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital
Pharmacy Assistant
Assists pharmacists and pharmacy technicians with dispensing, stock management, and the supply of medicines to wards and outpatient departments.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital & Community
Clinical Support Worker
Assists registered practitioners with clinical tasks such as taking observations, preparing equipment, and supporting patients with personal care needs across hospital wards and outpatient clinics.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital
Security Officer
Maintains a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff by patrolling the hospital site, managing access control, and responding to incidents including conflict resolution.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital
Driver
Transports patients, clinical samples, equipment, and supplies between hospital sites, clinics, and community locations, ensuring safe and timely delivery.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital & Community
Nursery Assistant
Provides day-to-day care for children in NHS staff nurseries or hospital crèches, supporting early years development through play, feeding, and maintaining a safe environment.
Training
No formal qualification
Setting
Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions — Band 2
NHS Band 2 salary starts at £24,169 and rises to £24,872 at the top of the band for 2026/27, following the confirmed 3.3% pay award.
Thinking about moving bands?
Compare Band 2against other bands — see the salary difference, take-home impact, and what qualifications you'll need.
Compare Band 2 vs Band 3