Exact take-home pay for NHS Band 5 nurses and healthcare workers in 2026-27. Entry to top of band, including NHS pension contribution.
| Spine Point | Gross Salary | Take-Home Annual | Take-Home Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Point 1 | 29,970 | 22,748 | 1,896 |
| Point 2 | 31,469 | 23,730 | 1,978 |
| Point 3 | 33,280 | 24,889 | 2,074 |
| Point 4 | 34,758 | 25,835 | 2,153 |
| Point 5 | 35,392 | 26,241 | 2,187 |
| Top Point 6 | 36,483 | 26,927 | 2,244 |
Band 5 staff fall entirely within the basic rate tax band in 2026-27. Income tax is 20% on earnings above the 12,570 personal allowance. National Insurance is 8% on earnings between 12,570 and 50,270. The NHS pension contribution of 9.8% is salary sacrifice, reducing taxable income and saving income tax and NI simultaneously.
The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit (DB) scheme, meaning you are guaranteed a retirement income based on career average earnings. For Band 5 staff this is typically worth an employer contribution equivalent of 20-23% of salary — far more than the 9.8% employee contribution.
Band 5 has 6 spine points in 2026-27. Moving from entry (29,970) to top (36,483) increases take-home by approximately 4,179 per year — an 18% increase over a career in Band 5.
When comparing an NHS Band 5 salary to a private sector offer, always factor in the NHS pension. The employer contribution equivalent is approximately 6,000-7,000 per year on a Band 5 salary — something that needs to be matched or exceeded by any private sector pension to make a fair comparison.
What is the NHS Band 5 take-home pay in 2026-27?
At the entry point of Band 5 (29,970) take-home is 22,748 per year (1,896 per month) after income tax, NI and 9.8% NHS pension. At the top of Band 5 (36,483) take-home is 26,927 per year (2,244 per month).
How much is the NHS pension contribution for Band 5?
Most Band 5 staff contribute 9.8% of pensionable pay to the NHS pension scheme. At 29,970 that is 2,937 per year (245 per month). The NHS pension is a defined benefit scheme significantly more valuable than a typical private sector pension.
Does Band 5 pay differ in Scotland?
Yes. Scottish NHS staff pay Scottish Income Tax rates which differ from England and Wales. Use the Scotland toggle in our NHS calculator for your exact Scottish take-home.
Free, accurate, 2026-27 rates. Scotland and tax code supported.