NHS Band 2 Salary 2026/27: Pay Scale and Take-Home Pay
NHS Band 2 pay in England is £25,272 a year from 1 April 2026. After tax and National Insurance you take home about £1,810 a month.
Band 2 pay points and take-home pay
| Pay point | Salary | Hourly | Take-home a year | A month | A week | Moves up after |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single pay point | £25,272 | £12.92 | £21,715 | £1,810 | £417.60 | Top of band |
These figures are after income tax and National Insurance only. Most public sector staff pay into a pension, which takes a further share of pay. Add your own pension percentage in the take-home pay calculator for a closer figure.
Work out my exact take-home pay
What jobs are in Band 2?
Healthcare support workers at entry level, porters, domestic and catering staff, and some administrative support roles. These are examples only: the band for any job comes from the NHS job evaluation process and varies between employers.
How NHS pay progression works
NHS staff on Agenda for Change start at the entry point of their band and move up the pay points over time. Band 2 has a single pay point, so there is no progression within the band. Progression depends on meeting the standards set by your employer. To earn more, you can apply for roles in a higher band.
Compare other bands
- Band 3 (£25,760)
- Band 4 (£28,392)
- Band 5 (£32,073)
- Band 6 (£39,959)
- Band 7 (£49,387)
- Band 8a (£57,528)
- Band 8b (£66,582)
- Band 8c (£79,504)
- Band 8d (£94,356)
- Band 9 (£112,782)
Source: NHS Employers: Pay scales for 2026/27. Take-home pay is worked out with the 2026/27 rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the standard tax code. See all NHS bands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for NHS Band 2 in 2026/27?
Band 2 starts at £25,272 a year in England from 1 April 2026 (a single pay point).
How much is NHS Band 2 after tax?
At the single pay point you take home about £1,810 a month (£21,715 a year) after income tax and National Insurance. This is before pension contributions.
What is the hourly rate for Band 2?
About £12.92 an hour, based on a standard 37.5-hour week.
Are NHS pay scales the same across the UK?
These are the Agenda for Change pay scales for England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own NHS pay scales, which can differ. Staff working in London and some surrounding areas also receive a High Cost Area Supplement on top of these figures.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.