NHS Salary Calculator
Get accurate NHS salary calculations using official UK government rates. Our comprehensive calculator covers all NHS pay bands, London weighting, part-time contracts, pension schemes, and student loans. Works for all NHS employees across England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland. Updated with 2025/26 tax rates and 3.6% NHS pay award.
What is Agenda for Change (AfC)?
Agenda for Change is the national pay system for all NHS staff in the UK, except for doctors, dentists, and very senior managers. It ensures equal pay for work of equal value through a system of job evaluation and pay bands.
The system consists of 9 pay bands (Band 2 to Band 9), with each band containing multiple spine points. Staff typically progress through the spine points within their band based on experience and performance, receiving annual increments until they reach the top of their band.
Pay Band Examples:
- Band 2: Healthcare assistants, porters
- Band 5: Newly qualified nurses, physiotherapists
- Band 6: Senior nurses, specialist practitioners
- Band 7: Advanced practitioners, team leaders
- Band 8a-8d: Senior managers, consultants
How to Use the NHS Salary Calculator
Using our calculator is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to get an accurate estimate of your take-home pay:
- Select your Pay Band: Choose from Band 2 to Band 9 based on your job role
- Choose your Spine Point: Select your current position within the band
- Working Hours: Indicate if you work full-time or part-time
- London Weighting: Add any location-based pay supplements if applicable
- Pension Scheme: Select your NHS pension scheme or opt-out option
- Student Loan: Choose your student loan plan if you have repayments
- Calculate: Click the calculate button to see your detailed pay breakdown
Understanding Your NHS Payslip Deductions
Your NHS payslip includes several deductions that reduce your gross salary to your net take-home pay. Here's what each deduction means:
Income Tax
Calculated using PAYE system based on your annual salary and tax-free personal allowance.
National Insurance
Class 1 contributions that fund state benefits and the NHS, calculated as a percentage of earnings.
NHS Pension
Contributions to your NHS pension scheme, with rates varying based on your salary tier.
Student Loans
Repayments calculated as 9% of income above the threshold for your specific loan plan.