How much does an NHS Healthcare Assistant take home a month in 2026/27?

On Band 2 (£25,272–£25,272), take-home is roughly £1,700 a month at entry and £1,700 at the top, after income tax, National Insurance and the 6.5% NHS pension (tax code 1257L, full-time).

What band are healthcare assistants on?

Most healthcare assistants are on Band 2, with more experienced or specialist support workers on Band 3. Assistant practitioners and pharmacy/dental technicians move to Band 4.

Do healthcare assistants pay into the NHS pension?

Yes — HCAs are automatically enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme, on the lowest tiered rate (5.2%–6.5% for 2026/27 depending on pensionable pay). It is a net-pay arrangement, so it reduces taxable pay but not National Insurance.

Healthcare Assistant Pay 2026/27 — HCA Band 2 & 3 Take-Home

Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Pay & Take-Home 2026/27

An NHS Healthcare Assistant in England is typically on Band 2, £25,272–£25,272 full-time for 2026/27. After tax, National Insurance and the 6.5% NHS pension, that is roughly £1,700–£1,700 a month take-home. Many progress to Band 3 — switch band in the calculator to compare.

Northern IrelandPending

Band

Spine point

Contracted hours / week

London weighting (HCAS)

In the NHS Pension Scheme

England · Band 2 · Entry

£1,700.11

a month take-home · £20,401.30 a year

Gross

£25,272.00

Income tax

£2,211.86

£1,016.16

Pension

£1,642.68

Net

£20,401.30

Pay-rise impact

+0.0%

Drag to model a future pay award. You keep less than the headline % — tax, National Insurance and the pension take a share of the increase too.

Where your pay goes

NHS pension

£1,642.68(7%)

Income tax

£2,211.86(9%)

National Insurance

£1,016.16(4%)

Take-home

£20,401.30(81%)

Total£25,272.00

Simulated monthly payslip

Gross pay	£2,106.00
PAYE income tax	− £184.32
Employee NI	− £84.68
NHS pension (6.5%)	− £136.89
Net bank credit	£1,700.11

England · rest-of-UK income tax bands · estimate for the 2026/27 tax year, standard 1257L code assumed.

Email me my results

Get your Band 2 breakdown — every spine point, the 6.5% pension tier and your monthly payslip — emailed instantly. Plus a heads-up when the 2027/28 pay award lands.

NHS Healthcare Assistant pay, explained

Healthcare assistants and clinical support workers are on Band 2, with senior HCAs and assistant-practitioner roles on Band 3. This page pre-fills Band 2 — switch to Band 3 in the calculator for the senior rate, and add unsocial hours for ward shift work.

Band 2 spine points (England, 2026/27)

Point	Full-time salary	Monthly take-home
Single point	£25,272.00	£1,700.11

Frequently Asked Questions

See the full Band 2 pay page or Band 3. Put two options side by side with the pay comparison tool, or see every band on the hub.