NHS Band 5 vs Band 6 — Salary, Pay & Roles Compared
Band 6 pays £6,421 more per year at starting salary — that's roughly £311.84 extra per month after deductions.
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.
Band 5 vs Band 6 FAQ
Band 6 starts at £37,890 compared to £31,469 for Band 5 — a difference of £6,421 per year. After tax, NI and pension, that works out to roughly £311.84 more per month in your pocket.