NHS Band 9 Salary

£109,179 - £125,637
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£109,179£9,098.25
Intermediate (2 yrs)£115,763£9,646.92
Top of Band (5 yrs)£125,637£10,469.75

2026/27 Pay Scale - England

Pay PointAnnualMonthly
Entry Level£112,782£9,398.50
Intermediate (2 yrs)£119,583£9,965.25
Top of Band (5 yrs)£129,783£10,815.25

About Band 9

Band 9 is the highest Agenda for Change band in the NHS and is relatively rare. Roles at this level include chief nurses, chief operating officers, directors of finance, trust-level executive directors, and the most senior Agenda for Change positions within NHS organisations.

Band 9 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 (12.5% at this salary level), income tax, National Insurance, and any additional payments such as High Cost Area Supplements if you work in London. At Band 9 salaries, a significant portion of your income will fall within the higher rate tax band.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NHS Band 9 salary in 2025/26?
NHS Band 9 salary in England for 2025/26 ranges from £109,179 at entry level to £125,637 at the top of the band. There are 3 pay points: Entry (£109,179), Intermediate after 2 years (£115,763), and Top of Band after 5 years (£125,637).
What is the NHS Band 9 salary in 2026/27?
NHS Band 9 salary in England for 2026/27 ranges from £112,782 at entry level to £129,783 at the top of the band, reflecting a pay uplift from the 2025/26 rates.
What will my Band 9 take-home pay be?
Band 9 take-home pay depends on your pay point, pension scheme, tax code, student loans, and any additional payments. At this salary level, you will pay the 12.5% pension contribution rate and a significant portion of your income will be taxed at the higher rate. Use our free calculator to get your exact figure.
What jobs are NHS Band 9?
NHS Band 9 is the highest Agenda for Change band and is relatively rare. Roles include chief nurses, chief operating officers, directors of finance, trust-level executive directors, and the most senior Agenda for Change positions. Many NHS executive roles sit outside of Agenda for Change on separate pay frameworks.
How long does it take to reach the top of Band 9?
It takes 5 years to reach the top of Band 9 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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