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

On Band 5 (£32,073–£39,043), take-home is roughly £2,040 a month at entry and £2,381 at the top, after income tax, National Insurance and the 8.3% NHS pension (tax code 1257L, full-time).

What band are NHS nurses on?

Newly-qualified registered nurses start on Band 5. Senior, specialist and charge nurses move to Band 6, and advanced practitioners or ward managers reach Band 7. Nursing assistants and trainee nursing associates sit on Bands 3–4.

Do nurses earn more for night and weekend shifts?

Yes. Section 2 unsocial-hours enhancements add 30% to the basic hourly rate for weeknights and Saturdays and 60% for Sundays and bank holidays (Band 5 and above), and those enhancements are pensionable. Add your monthly unsocial hours in the calculator to include them.

NHS Nurse Salary 2026/27 — Take-Home Pay After Tax & Pension

NHS Nurse Salary & Take-Home Pay 2026/27

An NHS Nurse in England is typically on Band 5, £32,073–£39,043 full-time for 2026/27. After tax, National Insurance and the 8.3% NHS pension, that is roughly £2,040–£2,381 a month take-home. Many progress to Band 6 — 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 5 · Entry

£2,040.21

a month take-home · £24,482.51 a year

Gross

£32,073.00

Income tax

£3,368.19

£1,560.24

Pension

£2,662.06

Net

£24,482.51

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

£2,662.06(8%)

Income tax

£3,368.19(11%)

National Insurance

£1,560.24(5%)

Take-home

£24,482.51(76%)

Total£32,073.00

Simulated monthly payslip

Gross pay	£2,672.75
PAYE income tax	− £280.68
Employee NI	− £130.02
NHS pension (8.3%)	− £221.84
Net bank credit	£2,040.21

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 5 breakdown — every spine point, the 8.3% pension tier and your monthly payslip — emailed instantly. Plus a heads-up when the 2027/28 pay award lands.

NHS Nurse pay, explained

Registered nurses join the NHS on Band 5, and with experience or specialist responsibility progress to Band 6 and beyond. This page pre-fills Band 5 — switch to Band 6 in the calculator to see the next step, and add unsocial hours if you work nights or weekends.

Band 5 spine points (England, 2026/27)

Point	Full-time salary	Monthly take-home
Entry	£32,073.00	£2,040.21
Intermediate	£34,592.00	£2,177.41
Top of band	£39,043.00	£2,380.80

Frequently Asked Questions

See the full Band 5 pay page or Band 6. Put two options side by side with the pay comparison tool, or see every band on the hub.