NHS salaries differ greatly between pay bands — but what matters most to staff is the take-home pay after tax, NI, and pension.
Here’s how it changes from Band 2 to Band 9 in 2025.
Take-Home Pay by NHS Band (2025)
| Band | Role Example | Annual Gross (£) | Net Pay (£) | Monthly (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | Support Worker | 22,383 | 18,600 | 1,550 |
| Band 3 | Admin / HCA | 25,147 | 20,500 | 1,708 |
| Band 4 | Assistant / Clerk | 28,407 | 22,600 | 1,883 |
| Band 5 | Staff Nurse | 30,639 | 24,400 | 2,033 |
| Band 6 | Senior Nurse | 35,392 | 26,500 | 2,208 |
| Band 7 | Team Leader | 43,742 | 31,400 | 2,616 |
| Band 8a | Matron / Manager | 50,952 | 35,500 | 2,958 |
| Band 9 | Executive Director | 114,949 | 72,000 | 6,000 |
(Estimates include average pension deductions and 2025 UK tax bands.)
Key Observations
- Band 2–4 employees have lower pension rates (5–7%) → higher net %.
- Band 7+ staff contribute 9–11% pension, reducing take-home slightly.
- London weighting adds £3,000–£7,000 extra annually.
Why It Matters
✅ Helps compare promotions
✅ Assists in mortgage & budget planning
✅ Shows impact of pension tiers
✅ Useful for new NHS job applicants
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