NHS Band 6 Salary

£38,682 - £46,580
2025/26 England pay scale - 3 pay points over 5 years
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay

2025/26 Pay Scale - England

Pay PointAnnualMonthly
Entry Level£38,682£3,223.50
Intermediate (2 yrs)£40,823£3,401.92
Top of Band (5 yrs)£46,580£3,881.67

2026/27 Pay Scale - England

Pay PointAnnualMonthly
Entry Level£39,959£3,329.92
Intermediate (2 yrs)£42,170£3,514.17
Top of Band (5 yrs)£48,117£4,009.75

About Band 6

Band 6 covers senior and specialist roles within the NHS, including senior or specialist nurses, senior paramedics, experienced physiotherapists, senior occupational therapists, team leaders, specialist radiographers, and senior pharmacists. These are professionals who have developed significant expertise beyond their initial qualification.

Band 6 has 3 pay points. You start at entry level and progress to the intermediate point after 2 years, then to the top of the band after 5 years total, subject to satisfactory performance at your annual appraisal.

Your actual take-home pay will depend on your pension scheme contributions (typically 9.8% to 10.7% at this salary level), income tax, National Insurance, and any additional payments such as unsocial hours enhancements or High Cost Area Supplements if you work in London.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NHS Band 6 salary in 2025/26?
NHS Band 6 salary in England for 2025/26 ranges from £38,682 at entry level to £46,580 at the top of the band. There are 3 pay points: Entry (£38,682), Intermediate after 2 years (£40,823), and Top of Band after 5 years (£46,580).
What is the NHS Band 6 salary in 2026/27?
NHS Band 6 salary in England for 2026/27 ranges from £39,959 at entry level to £48,117 at the top of the band, reflecting a pay uplift from the 2025/26 rates.
What will my Band 6 take-home pay be?
Band 6 take-home pay depends on your pay point, pension scheme, tax code, student loans, and any additional payments like unsocial hours. Use our free calculator to get your exact monthly and annual take-home figure.
What jobs are NHS Band 6?
NHS Band 6 roles include senior or specialist nurses, senior paramedics, experienced physiotherapists, senior occupational therapists, team leaders, specialist radiographers, and senior pharmacists. These are typically professionals with several years of post-qualification experience or those in specialist or leadership positions.
How long does it take to reach the top of Band 6?
It takes 5 years to reach the top of Band 6 in England, with an intermediate pay point at 2 years. Progression is subject to satisfactory performance demonstrated through your annual appraisal.

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