NHS Band 5 — Full Pay Point Breakdown 2026/27
Newly qualified nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers.
| Point | Gross | Income Tax | National Insurance | Take-Home /yr | Take-Home /mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £32,073 | £3,901 | £1,560 | £26,612 | £2,218 |
| Intermediate | £34,592 | £4,404 | £1,762 | £28,426 | £2,369 |
| Top | £39,043 | £5,295 | £2,118 | £31,631 | £2,636 |
Figures use England, Wales & Northern Ireland Income Tax bands and 2026/27 rates, basic pay only — before any unsocial hours enhancement, overtime or High Cost Area Supplement (London weighting).
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Compare Two Salaries →Pay scale sourced from the NHS Employers 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay circular (3.3% uplift, effective 1 April 2026). Tax and NI calculated using published 2026/27 HMRC rates — not an official NHS or HMRC tool. Verify at nhsemployers.org or gov.uk/estimate-income-tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does NHS Band 5 pay in 2026/27?
NHS Band 5 ranges from £32,073 a year at the entry point to £39,043 at the top of the band, under the 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scale (3.3% uplift from 1 April 2026).
What is the take-home pay for NHS Band 5?
At the top of Band 5 (£39,043 gross), take-home pay is £31,631 a year (£2,636 a month) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, after £5,295 Income Tax and £2,118 National Insurance. In Scotland, take-home is £31,575 due to different Income Tax bands.
What roles are in NHS Band 5?
Newly qualified nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers. Exact job titles vary by trust and role profile — check your trust's job description against the NHS Job Evaluation Scheme for a definitive banding.
Does NHS Band 5 pay include unsocial hours or overtime?
No — these figures are basic Agenda for Change pay only. Unsocial hours enhancements, overtime, high-cost area supplements (London weighting) and on-call payments are calculated separately and added on top of basic pay.