NHS Band 8a Salary
2025/26 Pay Scale - England
| Pay Point | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | £55,690 | £4,640.83 |
| Intermediate (2 yrs) | £58,487 | £4,873.92 |
| Top of Band (5 yrs) | £62,682 | £5,223.50 |
2026/27 Pay Scale - England
| Pay Point | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | £57,528 | £4,794.00 |
| Intermediate (2 yrs) | £60,417 | £5,034.75 |
| Top of Band (5 yrs) | £64,750 | £5,395.83 |
About Band 8a
Band 8a is a senior pay band in the NHS Agenda for Change framework, typically held by experienced professionals in leadership or specialist roles. This includes consultant allied health professionals, matrons, head of nursing, principal clinical scientists, senior service managers, and lead pharmacists.
Band 8a 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 10.7% to 12.5% 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.