Band 6 NHS pay 2026/27
Band 6 is one of the NHS Agenda for Change pay bands used across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Full-time gross basic pay for Band 6 in 2026/27 is from £38,682 to £52,679 a year, depending on nation and how far you have progressed within the band.
Band 6 gross pay by nation 2026/27
Full-time annual basic pay before tax, by pay point and nation.
| Nation | Entry | Intermediate | Top of band |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | £39,959 | £42,170 | £48,117 |
| Scotland | £43,231 | £45,135 | £52,679 |
| Wales | £40,559 | £42,805 | £48,841 |
| Northern Ireland | £38,682 | £40,823 | £46,580 |
Northern Ireland shows the latest confirmed 2025/26 scale while the 2026/27 award remains unconfirmed. Scotland works a 36-hour full-time week, so its pay points are not directly comparable hour for hour with the 37.5-hour week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Estimated take-home pay in England
Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pension contributions deducted from Band 6 gross pay in England.
| Pay point | Gross pay | Monthly take-home | Annual take-home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £39,959 | £2,429.78 | £29,157.30 |
| Intermediate | £42,170 | £2,547.99 | £30,575.87 |
| Top of band | £48,117 | £2,865.96 | £34,391.46 |
Assumes full-time hours (37.5 a week), NHS Pension Scheme membership, no student loan repayments and Income Tax residence in England or Northern Ireland. Your own payslip can differ.
High Cost Area Supplement in England
Band 6roles based in England can also attract a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) on top of basic pay: 20% in Inner London, 15% in Outer London, or 5% in the wider Fringe area, each subject to a nationally set minimum and maximum cash amount. Meeveem's NHS pay calculator applies the correct supplement and cap automatically once you choose your area. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do not use HCAS.
Work out your own take-home pay
These figures assume full-time hours with no unsocial-hours enhancements or overtime. Use the full calculator to add your own hours, location and deductions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Band 6 earn?
Full-time gross basic pay for Band 6 in 2026/27 is from £38,682 to £52,679 a year, depending on nation and how far you have progressed within the band.
What is the take-home pay for a Band 6?
In England, estimated take-home pay for Band 6 is from £2,429.78 to £2,865.96 a month, after Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pension contributions, assuming full-time hours and no student loan.
How do I move up pay points in Band 6?
You move up the pay points within Band 6 as you gain experience and meet your NHS annual appraisal requirements, progressing until you reach the top of the band.