NHS Band 6 — Full Pay Point Breakdown 2026/27
Senior staff nurses, specialist practitioners, senior therapists.
| Point | Gross | Income Tax | National Insurance | Take-Home /yr | Take-Home /mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £39,959 | £5,478 | £2,191 | £32,290 | £2,691 |
| Intermediate | £42,170 | £5,920 | £2,368 | £33,882 | £2,824 |
| Top | £48,117 | £7,109 | £2,844 | £38,164 | £3,180 |
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 6 pay in 2026/27?
NHS Band 6 ranges from £39,959 a year at the entry point to £48,117 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 6?
At the top of Band 6 (£48,117 gross), take-home pay is £38,164 a year (£3,180 a month) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, after £7,109 Income Tax and £2,844 National Insurance. In Scotland, take-home is £37,082 due to different Income Tax bands.
What roles are in NHS Band 6?
Senior staff nurses, specialist practitioners, senior therapists. 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 6 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.