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

On Band 6 (£39,959–£48,117), take-home is roughly £2,430 a month at entry and £2,866 at the top, after income tax, National Insurance and the 9.8% NHS pension (tax code 1257L, full-time).

What band is a clinical nurse specialist?

Clinical nurse specialists are usually on Band 6, with senior specialist, lead nurse and advanced clinical practitioner roles on Band 7 and Band 8a. The exact band depends on autonomy, caseload and responsibility.

What is the difference between Band 6 and Band 7 take-home?

Band 7 has higher basic pay, but a larger slice is taxed at higher rates and the NHS pension tier rises, so the take-home gain is smaller than the headline pay gap. Toggle between the two bands in the calculator to see the exact monthly difference.

Specialist Nurse Salary 2026/27 — Band 6 & 7 Take-Home

Specialist Nurse Salary & Take-Home Pay 2026/27

An NHS Specialist Nurse in England is typically on Band 6, £39,959–£48,117 full-time for 2026/27. After tax, National Insurance and the 9.8% NHS pension, that is roughly £2,430–£2,866 a month take-home. Many progress to Band 7 — 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 6 · Entry

£2,429.77

a month take-home · £29,157.29 a year

Gross

£39,959.00

Income tax

£4,694.60

£2,191.12

Pension

£3,915.98

Net

£29,157.29

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

£3,915.98(10%)

Income tax

£4,694.60(12%)

National Insurance

£2,191.12(5%)

Take-home

£29,157.29(73%)

Total£39,959.00

Simulated monthly payslip

Gross pay	£3,329.92
PAYE income tax	− £391.22
Employee NI	− £182.59
NHS pension (9.8%)	− £326.33
Net bank credit	£2,429.77

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

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Get your Band 6 breakdown — every spine point, the 9.8% pension tier and your monthly payslip — emailed instantly. Plus a heads-up when the 2027/28 pay award lands.

NHS Specialist Nurse pay, explained

Clinical nurse specialists and senior specialist nurses sit on Band 6, with lead and advanced roles reaching Band 7. This page pre-fills Band 6 — switch to Band 7 in the calculator to compare the senior step.

Band 6 spine points (England, 2026/27)

Point	Full-time salary	Monthly take-home
Entry	£39,959.00	£2,429.77
Intermediate	£42,170.00	£2,547.99
Top of band	£48,117.00	£2,865.96

Frequently Asked Questions

See the full Band 6 pay page or Band 7. Put two options side by side with the pay comparison tool, or see every band on the hub.