NHS Pay Bands Explained: Full Salary Breakdown for 2026(Bands 1–9)
NHS salaries aren’t set arbitrarily; they’re governed by a structured system called Agenda for Change, which uses specific NHS pay bands to determine how much each role earns. These bands don’t just reflect your title; they’re based on qualifications, responsibilities, experience, and job complexity. Whether you’re a healthcare assistant, a registered nurse, a physiotherapist, or part of NHS admin staff, your band defines your earnings and career trajectory.
In this blog, we’ll break down what each NHS pay band means from Band 1 to Band 9. We’ll also show you how NHS job banding works, how to find your band, and how to use an NHS salary band chart to estimate your current or future pay.
What Are NHS Pay Bands?
NHS pay bands are part of a standardized salary structure used across most non-medical roles in the UK’s National Health Service. Known officially as Agenda for Change, this framework ensures that NHS employees are paid fairly and transparently based on their responsibilities and qualifications, rather than arbitrary decisions or job titles alone.
The bands range from Band 1 (entry-level roles) up to Band 9 (senior executives and directors). Each band has a defined salary range, which increases depending on your years of experience in that band; these are called “pay points” or “steps.” So, for example, a newly hired Band 5 nurse won’t earn as much as someone who’s been on Band 5 for 3 years, but they’re in the same band. The NHS pay bands are reviewed annually and are applied across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (with some regional pay variations like London weighting).
NHS Job Banding Explained
So, how exactly is your NHS band decided? It’s not random, and it’s not based on job titles alone. NHS job banding is the process used to assign a role to the appropriate pay band based on a detailed evaluation of the job’s responsibilities, required qualifications, and the level of autonomy involved. When a new position is created or when an existing one is being re-evaluated, it goes through a formal Job Evaluation Scheme under the NHS Agenda for Change framework. This system scores the job based on several factors, including:
- Knowledge and skills required
- Level of responsibility (clinical, managerial, financial, etc.)
- Judgement and decision-making
- Communication demands
- Working conditions and physical effort
Full Breakdown of NHS Pay Bands (1–9)
Understanding where you fit in the NHS salary structure starts with knowing how each band is defined, and what kinds of jobs fall under each. Below is a complete NHS salary band chart for Bands 1 to 9, showing typical roles and estimated annual pay based on full-time (37.5 hours/week) contracts.
Band | Typical Roles | 2026 Estimated Salary Range |
Band 1 (phased out) | Housekeeping, Support Staff (rare now) | N/A – Most roles merged into Band 2 |
Band 2 | Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), Domestic Assistants, Porters | £22,383 – £23,383 |
Band 3 | Emergency Call Handlers, Admin Clerks, Therapy Assistants | £23,743 – £25,147 |
Band 4 | Assistant Practitioners, Pharmacy Technicians, Dental Nurses | £25,147 – £27,596 |
Band 5 | Staff Nurses, Radiographers, Occupational Therapists | £28,407 – £34,581 |
Band 6 | Senior Nurses, Physiotherapists, Paramedics, Health Visitors | £35,392 – £42,618 |
Band 7 | Ward Managers, Clinical Specialists, Advanced Practitioners | £43,742 – £50,056 |
Band 8a | Nurse Consultants, Matrons, Heads of Department | £50,952 – £57,349 |
Band 8b | Strategic Managers, Heads of Services | £58,972 – £68,525 |
Band 8c | Associate Directors, Senior Operational Leads | £70,417 – £81,138 |
Band 8d | Executive-level Heads (HR, Finance, Estates) | £83,571 – £97,915 |
Band 9 | Chief Executives, NHS Trust Directors | £105,000+ |
How to Know What Band You’re On
Not sure what band you’re in? You’re not alone; many NHS employees, especially those in junior or administrative roles, aren’t 100% certain of their current band or where they should be. But knowing your band is essential for understanding whether you’re being paid fairly, whether you’re eligible for progression, and what your future earning potential looks like. Here are the easiest ways to find out what band you’re on:
1. Check Your Job Description or Contract
Your employment contract should clearly state your NHS pay band. If it doesn’t, your job description almost certainly will, typically written as “Band 3 Admin Assistant” or “Band 5 Registered Nurse.” If you’ve been promoted or transferred within the NHS, make sure you’re looking at your latest job details.
2. Ask Your Line Manager or HR
If your documents aren’t clear or if you’re unsure about a recent rebanding, the best way to confirm your current band is by asking your HR department or direct supervisor. They’ll also let you know which pay step you’re on within the band, which affects your actual salary figure.
3. Compare Responsibilities with Band Criteria
Sometimes, you may be doing work above your current band and not getting paid for it. If that’s the case, compare your job duties with the NHS salary band chart. These are signs that your role may deserve a higher band. In such cases, you may be eligible for rebanding or a promotion.
4. Use a Pay Calculator to Estimate Based on Role & Experience
If you’re still uncertain, the easiest way to estimate your band and salary is to try an NHS Pay Calculator. By inputting your role, location, and experience level, you’ll get a real-time estimate of what your pay should be, which can give you a good idea of whether you’re on the right band.
Promotion & Band Progression
One of the biggest advantages of working in the NHS is the structured career path, but that path is directly tied to your pay band. Understanding how promotion and band progression work can help you plan your growth and make sure you’re not stuck earning less than you deserve.
Moving Up Within a Band (Pay Step Progression)
Each NHS band includes multiple pay points (or steps), which you move through over time. Typically:
- Step 1 = Entry level (first year in the band)
- Step 2 = Intermediate (after 2 years)
- Step 3 = Top of band (after 3–4+ years)
These step increases usually happen automatically each year, assuming your performance is satisfactory and you remain in the same role. You don’t need to apply, but it’s always good to double-check your payslip to ensure you’re being moved up correctly. Over time, progressing through steps can increase your salary by thousands of pounds annually, even if your role stays the same.
Moving Between Bands (Promotions & Rebanding)
To move to a higher band (say from Band 4 to Band 5), you typically need to:
- Take on a new role with greater responsibilities
- Gain new qualifications or certifications
- Apply for a job that has been evaluated at a higher band level
Alternatively, if your current role has evolved significantly, and you’re doing more than your original job description covered, you can request a rebanding review. This is where HR re-evaluates your job using the Agenda for Change framework to see if your band should be increased. But here’s the catch: promotion in the NHS isn’t always automatic; you often need to advocate for yourself.
Conclusion
Your NHS pay band isn’t just a number on paper; it’s the foundation of your salary, your career progression, and your financial future within the healthcare system. Whether you’re just starting in Band 2 or aiming for senior roles in Band 7 and beyond, understanding how the banding system works empowers you to make smarter career moves and confidently navigate the NHS pay structure.
From NHS job banding evaluations to step-based salary increases and rebanding opportunities, the system is built to reward experience and responsibility. But only if you understand it and use it to your advantage. If you’re still unsure where you fall or want to see exactly what you should be earning, our NHS Pay Calculator can help. It gives you instant visibility into your gross salary, deductions, and net take-home pay, all based on your band, hours, and region.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are NHS pay bands?
They’re a salary framework under Agenda for Change, determining pay based on role, experience, and responsibilities. Bands range from 1–9.
How do I know my NHS band?
Check your contract, job description, HR, or use an NHS Pay Calculator.
What is pay step progression?
Salary increases within your band over time, usually yearly, based on experience and performance.
How can I get promoted or rebanded?
Take on more responsibilities, gain qualifications, or request a reband review from HR.
What are the 2026 NHS salary ranges?
Band 2: £22k–£23k, Band 5: £28k–£34k, Band 7: £43k–£50k, Band 9: £105k+.