Band 6 NHS Pay 2026/27
Band 6 covers senior and specialist clinical roles — the first step up from Band 5 for experienced staff. Pay runs from £39,959 to £48,117 in 2026/27, and every point sits in the 9.8% pension tier.
Band 6 pay points and take-home — 2026/27
| Pay point | Annual salary | Take-home / month | Pension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £39,959 | £2,429.78 | 9.8% |
| Intermediate | £42,170 | £2,547.99 | 9.8% |
| Top | £48,117 | £2,865.96 | 9.8% |
Typical Band 6 roles include senior and specialist nurses, senior physiotherapists, health visitors, school nurses, theatre leads and experienced practitioners. Figures assume full-time hours, NHS Pension included, no student loan or enhancements.
Band 6 questions
How much does a Band 6 take home?
From about £2,430 a month at the entry point (£39,959) to about £2,866 a month at the top (£48,117), after NHS pension at 9.8%, tax and NI.
How much more is Band 6 than Band 5?
Moving from the top of Band 5 (£39,043) to Band 6 entry (£39,959) is a small gross rise, and take-home rises by about £49 a month. The bigger gains come as you progress through Band 6 — the top point pays about £436 a month more in take-home than Band 6 entry.
What pension does a Band 6 pay?
9.8% of pensionable pay at every Band 6 point in 2026/27 — the tier runs from £35,156 to £52,778.
Do Band 6 staff get unsocial hours pay?
Yes, if the role involves them — Section 2 enhancements (+30% / +60%) apply at Band 6 the same as other bands, and many senior ward and community roles include on-call or weekend work.