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🇬🇧 UK-only · Updated for 2026/27 Tax Year

NHS Pay Rise Calculator 2026/27

Calculate your true net take-home pay after the confirmed 3.3% Agenda for Change (AfC) pay award. Includes the latest NHS Pension tiers and London Weighting.

3.3% AfC IncreaseBands 1 to 9New Pension TiersFree — no sign-up

Agenda for Change Details

Enter your exact current 2025/26 gross salary. We will automatically apply the 3.3% pay rise.

+ 3.3% Consolidated Pay Rise

The 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay award increases all bands by 3.3%. This calculator models your new take-home pay based on this confirmed rate.

Your New Net Take-Home (2026/27)

£0.00 / month

(£0.00 per year)
↑Increase of £0.00 / month

2026/27 Salary Breakdown:

New Gross Salary (inc. Weighting):£0.00 / yr
NHS Pension (0.0% Tier):-£0.00 / yr
PAYE Income Tax:-£0.00 / yr
National Insurance:-£0.00 / yr
Annual Net Pay:£0.00
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NHS Pay Bands 2026/27 — The 3.3% AfC Increase

The government has confirmed a consolidated pay uplift of 3.3% for all Agenda for Change (AfC) staff in England for the 2026/27 financial year. This applies to your basic gross salary.

When reviewing your pay, it's essential to understand that a 3.3% increase in gross pay does not mean a 3.3% increase in your bank account. Deductions for Income Tax, National Insurance, and the NHS Pension Scheme will swallow a portion of the rise. Our calculator instantly works out the true cash value of the pay rise. You can also read our full guide on understanding your NHS payslip.

NHS Pension Contributions 2026/27

The NHS operates a tiered pension scheme based on actual pensionable pay. This means that if you work part-time, your contribution tier is based on what you actually earn, rather than your full-time equivalent (FTE) salary.

Tiered Contribution Rates by Band

  • Up to £27,596: 5.1%
  • £27,597 to £39,154: 6.5%
  • £39,155 to £52,480: 8.3%
  • £52,481 to £119,031: 9.8%
  • £119,032 to £131,804: 12.5%
  • £131,805 and above: 13.5%

London Weighting — Inner, Outer and Fringe

Staff working in and around London are entitled to High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS). These percentages are applied to your basic pay, though they are subject to strict minimum and maximum cash limits depending on your band:

  • Inner London: 20% of basic salary
  • Outer London: 15% of basic salary
  • Fringe: 5% of basic salary

Can NHS Staff Use Salary Sacrifice?

Yes! NHS staff have access to excellent salary sacrifice schemes, particularly for electric vehicles and cycle-to-work schemes.

Because NHS pension contributions and tax rates are high, salary sacrifice is incredibly effective. By paying for a lease car out of your gross salary, you bypass Income Tax, NI, and Pension deductions on that amount. See how much you could save with our Salary Sacrifice Calculator.

Agenda for Change

Frequently asked questions

How much is the NHS pay rise in 2026/27?
The government has confirmed a consolidated pay rise of 3.3% for all Agenda for Change (AfC) NHS staff in England for the 2026/27 financial year.
What is the take-home pay for NHS Band 5 after tax in 2026/27?
A starting Band 5 nurse earning a base of roughly £32,074 (after the 3.3% rise) will take home approximately £2,100 per month after tax, National Insurance, and the 6.5% NHS pension deduction. You can use our calculator to see the exact figure.
How is the NHS pension contribution calculated?
The NHS Pension scheme uses a tiered contribution system based on your total pensionable pay. Rates start at 5.1% for lower earners and step up to 6.5%, 8.3%, 9.8%, 12.5%, and finally 13.5% for the highest earners.
What is London weighting for NHS staff?
NHS staff working in and around London receive a high-cost area supplement (HCAS). This is an additional percentage added to their basic pay: 20% for Inner London, 15% for Outer London, and 5% for the Fringe, subject to minimum and maximum cash caps.
When was the 2026/27 NHS pay award confirmed and paid?
The 3.3% award comes into effect from April 2026. Depending on payroll processing times at individual trusts, it will typically appear in April or May payslips.
What is the Band 6 NHS salary after tax in 2026/27?
A starting Band 6 employee will earn around £40,478 gross after the 3.3% rise. After a 8.3% pension deduction, PAYE, and NI, this translates to roughly £2,525 net take-home per month.
Does the AfC pay rise affect my NHS pension contributions?
Yes. Because the 3.3% pay rise increases your gross salary, it may push your total pensionable pay into the next NHS Pension tier (e.g., from 6.5% to 8.3%), which means a slightly larger percentage of your pay will be deducted for your pension.
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