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NHS Band 2 Pay (England)

Entry: £25,272 gross in 2026/27.

Band 2 is one of nine pay bands in the Agenda for Change framework, which covers over one million NHS staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Pay rates are set nationally by the NHS Pay Review Body.

What Band 2 covers

Entry-level support roles including domestic support workers, housekeeping assistants, drivers, security officers and healthcare assistants. Staff typically progress to Band 3 as they take on greater responsibility or specialise further.

Take-Home Breakdown

2026/27 estimated take-home after pension, tax and NI. Figures assume England and Wales tax rates, standard tax code 1257L, NHS Pension opted in and no student loans.

Gross salary£25,272
Hourly rate£12.96
NHS Pension (6.5%)−£1,643
Taxable income£23,629
Income tax−£2,212
National Insurance−£1,016
Take-home pay£20,401/year
Effective tax rate19.3%

Personalise your numbers — add HCAS, salary sacrifice, and student loan deductions.

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Pension and Deductions

Band 2 staff contribute 6.5% of salary to the NHS Pension Scheme. The pension is deducted before income tax under a NET pay arrangement, which means you get full tax relief automatically. National Insurance is calculated on your full gross salary before the pension deduction.

Notes

  • Pay rates from NHS Health Careers. Tax and NI use HMRC 2025/26 and 2026/27 England and Wales tax rates.
  • Pension contribution tiers from the NHSBSA pension scheme (2025/26 and 2026/27 tiers).
  • Staff in London and surrounding areas may receive a High Cost Area Supplement of 5–20% on top of base pay.
  • Scotland has different income tax bands. Scottish take-home will differ.
  • Student loan repayments are not included. Use the calculator for a personalised breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

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