For many NHS professionals—especially nurses, physiotherapists, and OTs—the jump from Band 5 to Band 6 is the most significant career milestone. It marks the transition from “newly qualified” to “specialist” or “senior.”
But does the bank balance reflect the extra responsibility?
In 2026, the gap between the top of Band 5 and the bottom of Band 6 is surprisingly narrow. Once you factor in the “hidden” deductions—specifically the jump in NHS Pension contributions—the difference in your pocket might be less than you think.
Here is the realistic breakdown of NHS Band 5 vs Band 6 salary for 2026, including a take-home pay calculator table to help you decide if the promotion is worth it.
The 2026 Pay Landscape: What You Need to Know
As we head into 2026, NHS staff are currently paid according to the 2025/26 Agenda for Change pay scales. These rates are valid until March 31, 2026.
- Band 5 Entry: £31,049
- Band 6 Entry: £38,682
However, a new pay deal is expected to be announced in Spring 2026 (effective from April 1st). Early projections suggest a further uplift of 2.5% – 3.0%, depending on inflation and Pay Review Body recommendations.
Note: The calculations below use the confirmed rates active at the start of 2026. We will update this guide immediately once the April 2026 deal is signed.
The “Hidden” Deductions: Why Gross Pay Lies
Before we look at the table, you need to understand why your payslip shrinks so much. It’s not just Tax and National Insurance; it’s the NHS Pension Tiers.
The NHS pension is tiered based on your actual pensionable pay. As you earn more, you don’t just pay more pension contributions; the percentage of your salary that is taken increases.
- Tier 3 (8.3%): For salaries between £26,832 – £32,691.
- Tier 4 (9.8%): For salaries between £32,692 – £49,078.
The Trap: A Band 5 Nurse at the entry point pays 8.3% into their pension. As soon as they progress to the intermediate step (2+ years experience), their pay rises to £33,487, pushing them into Tier 4. Suddenly, they are paying 9.8% on their entire salary, eating into the pay rise.
NHS Band 5 vs Band 6: Take-Home Pay Calculator (2026)
The table below shows the estimated monthly take-home pay for Band 5 and Band 6 staff.
Assumptions:
- Tax Code: 1257L (Standard Personal Allowance).
- Student Loan: Plan 2 (Excluded for clarity—deduct approx. £50-£100 if applicable).
- Pension: Standard 2025/26 contribution tiers.
- Unsocial Hours: Excluded (Base pay only).
| Band & Experience | Gross Annual Salary | Pension Tier (%) | Monthly Take-Home (Est) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 5 (Entry) | £31,049 | 8.3% | £1,984 |
| Band 5 (Intermediate) | £33,487 | 9.8% | £2,098 |
| Band 5 (Top) | £37,796 | 9.8% | £2,314 |
| Band 6 (Entry) | £38,682 | 9.8% | £2,361 |
| Band 6 (Intermediate) | £40,823 | 9.8% | £2,468 |
| Band 6 (Top) | £46,580 | 9.8% | £2,784 |
The “Top of Band 5” vs “Bottom of Band 6” Reality
This is the most common comparison. You are an experienced Band 5 nurse at the top of your pay band, considering a promotion to a Band 6 role.
- Band 5 Top Take-Home: £2,314
- Band 6 Entry Take-Home: £2,361
- The Difference: £47 per month.
Yes, you read that right. For taking on the extra stress, management responsibility, and complexity of a Band 6 role, your immediate financial reward is roughly £47 a month (about £11 a week).
Why is it so low?
The gross salary difference between Top Band 5 (£37,796) and Entry Band 6 (£38,682) is only £886 a year. Since both sit firmly in the same Tax (20%), NI (8%), and Pension (9.8%) brackets, the deductions swallow up a huge chunk of that small increase.
Is Moving to Band 6 Worth It?
If the money is practically the same, why bother?
1. The Long-Term Game
While the start of Band 6 offers little financial gain, the potential is much higher.
- Band 5 Ceiling: You are capped at £2,314/month (excluding unsocial hours) forever unless you promote.
- Band 6 Ceiling: Within 5 years, you will rise to the top of Band 6, taking home £2,784/month—a difference of £470 a month.
2. Unsocial Hours Enhancements
If you work shifts (nights/weekends), the enhancements are calculated as a percentage of your base pay.
- 30% of a Band 6 salary is worth more than 30% of a Band 5 salary.
- Over a year, this can add hundreds of pounds to the difference that isn’t visible in the basic calculator above.
3. Future Proofing
With the NHS workforce plan focusing on upskilling, Band 6 is often the gateway to Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) roles (Band 7/8a), which see salaries jump to £50k+. Staying at Band 5 limits your access to these funded training pathways.
Summary: Should You Stay or Go?
- Stay at Band 5 if: You are happy with your current level of responsibility, value a stress-free finish to your shift, and rely heavily on bank shifts (which are often paid at similar rates for Band 5/6 in some trusts).
- Go for Band 6 if: You want to break the salary ceiling. The first two years might feel like “more work for the same pay,” but by year 3, your earning power significantly outstrips your Band 5 colleagues.
Read also: How to Succeed in NHS Jobs: Your Complete Guide to Landing Your Dream Healthcare Career
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. Tax codes and pension tiers vary by individual circumstances. Always check your ESR or consult a financial advisor.