NHS Band 8a — Full Pay Point Breakdown 2026/27
Senior managers, consultant-level allied health professionals.
| Point | Gross | Income Tax | National Insurance | Take-Home /yr | Take-Home /mo |
|---|
| Entry | £57,528 | £10,443 | £3,161 | £43,924 | £3,660 |
| Intermediate | £60,417 | £11,599 | £3,219 | £45,599 | £3,800 |
| Top | £64,750 | £13,332 | £3,306 | £48,112 | £4,009 |
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).
NHS Band 8a Pay in 2025/26
Under the 2025/26 Agenda for Change scale, Band 8a ran from £55,690 to £62,682, before the 3.3% uplift on 1 April 2026 raised it to £57,528–£64,750 for 2026/27. An old payslip or P60 from the 2025/26 tax year will show the lower figure. For the full structure across every band and recent years, see the NHS pay bands overview.
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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 8a pay in 2026/27?
NHS Band 8a ranges from £57,528 a year at the entry point to £64,750 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 8a?
At the top of Band 8a (£64,750 gross), take-home pay is £48,112 a year (£4,009 a month) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, after £13,332 Income Tax and £3,306 National Insurance. In Scotland, take-home is £46,267 due to different Income Tax bands.
What was NHS Band 8a pay in 2025/26?
Under the 2025/26 Agenda for Change scale, Band 8a ran from £55,690 to £62,682, before the 3.3% uplift on 1 April 2026 raised it to £57,528–£64,750 for 2026/27.
What roles are in NHS Band 8a?
Senior managers, consultant-level allied health professionals. 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 8a 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.