Moving up from NHS Band 8a to Band 8b is worth about £79 a month more in take-home, or £945 a year, after tax, National Insurance and the NHS pension. That compares the top of Band 8a with the entry of Band 8b. Source: NHS Employers.
Figures for 2026/27 · England and Wales · after tax, NI and NHS pension · last reviewed 2026-09-06
How much more is Band 8b than Band 8a in take-home pay?
About £79 a month, £945 a year, on the realistic promotion from the top of Band 8a to the entry of Band 8b. The gross rises by £1,832, but income tax, National Insurance and the NHS pension contribution take a share, so the take-home jump is smaller than the headline.
Band 8a top
Band 8b entry
Difference
Gross a year
£64,750
£66,582
£1,832
Take-home a year
£43,955
£44,900
£945
Take-home a month
£3,663
£3,742
£79
The longer-term move: top of Band 8a to top of Band 8b
Progressing to the top of Band 8b takes the gross to £77,368, about £12,618 above where you were. In take-home that is roughly £473 a month, or £5,673 a year, once you have moved through the band's pay points.
The full breakdown for each band, point by point with pension, tax and student loan, is on the Band 8a page and the Band 8b page.
Common questions
How much more is Band 8b than Band 8a in take-home pay?
About £79 a month, £945 a year, moving from the top of Band 8a (£64,750) to the entry of Band 8b (£66,582). That is after income tax, National Insurance and the NHS pension contribution on the higher salary.
Why is the take-home rise smaller than the gross rise?
The gross rise from Band 8a top to Band 8b entry is £1,832, but you keep about £945 of it. Income tax, National Insurance and the NHS pension contribution all take a share of the increase, so the net jump is smaller than the headline.
What if I reach the top of Band 8b?
At the top of Band 8b the gross is £77,368, about £12,618 above the top of Band 8a. That is roughly £473 a month more in take-home, or £5,673 a year, once you progress through the band.
Does this include the NHS pension?
Yes. The take-home shown is after the NHS pension contribution, which is tiered by salary and can change if a promotion crosses a tier threshold. It is also after income tax and National Insurance for 2026/27, England and Wales.
Sources & Rate Verification
Rates verified against official statutory guidance on 6 September 2026.
Information, not financial advice. Take-home uses the published 2026/27 tax, National Insurance and NHS pension rates for England and Wales, no student loan unless stated, and the standard tax code. Your own figure depends on your pay point, hours and deductions.
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