Compare NHS Pay Bands Side by Side
Compare any two NHS pay bands side by side. See the salary difference, take-home pay impact, pension rate change, qualification requirements, and typical roles at each level.
Salary Difference
+£6,421/yr
Take Home Difference
+£311.84/mo
Pay
Deductions & Benefits
Entry Requirements
Typical Roles
What Changes from Band 5 to Band 6?
Moving from Band 5 to Band 6 means a pay increase of £6,421/year at starting salary, which works out to roughly £311.84/month more in your pocket after tax, NI and pension.
Your pension contribution rate increases from 8.3% to 9.8%, which means a slightly higher deduction — but remember, the NHS pension is one of the best in the UK, so the extra contribution builds more retirement income.
Band 6 roles typically require more experience, responsibility, or qualifications than Band 5. Check the roles table above to see what's expected at each level.
How This Calculator Works
This calculator uses official 2026/27 Agenda for Change data, HMRC tax and NI thresholds, and NHS Pension Scheme contribution rates. Figures are estimates based on standard assumptions — your actual amounts may differ depending on your individual tax code, trust-specific policies, or other personal circumstances. Always check with your payroll department or HR for precise figures.
Last updated: March 2026 · Based on the confirmed 3.3% pay award for 2026/27
Frequently Asked Questions
The largest absolute salary jump is between Bands 8d and 9, but in percentage terms the biggest leap is from Band 4 to Band 5 — around £4,344 per year — reflecting the move from support roles to degree-qualified professional positions.
More NHS Calculators
NHS Redundancy Calculator
Calculate your estimated NHS redundancy payment based on your age, length of continuous NHS service and current salary. Uses AfC redundancy terms.
NHS Early Retirement Calculator
Estimate your NHS pension if you retire early. Calculates the actuarial reduction applied to your pension for each year before normal pension age.
NHS Sick Pay Calculator
Calculate your NHS sick pay entitlement based on length of service. Shows full pay and half pay periods under AfC terms and conditions.
NHS Back Pay Calculator
Estimate your NHS back pay when pay awards are applied retrospectively. Calculates the difference between old and new pay scales for the backdated period.
NHS Tax Calculator
See every deduction from your NHS salary — income tax (UK and Scottish), National Insurance, NHS pension and student loan repayments. Shows your exact monthly take-home pay.
NHS Overtime Pay Calculator
Calculate your NHS overtime and unsocial hours enhancements. Includes night shift, Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday rates for Bands 2-7.