Who sits on Band 5
Band 5 is where a lot of people start after registration: nurses, midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other clinical roles. The band structure is UK-wide under Agenda for Change, but each nation publishes its own pay points.
Basic pay in 2026/27
In England, NHS Employers’ 2026/27 pay scales put Band 5 at £32,073 on entry, rising through an intermediate point to £39,043 at the top. Those are the England figures this site uses.
Scotland publishes separately. The Scottish Government’s Agenda for Change staff pay pages and circular PCS(AFC)2026/01 set NHS Scotland rates. On the figures we model, Scotland Band 5 runs higher on paper than England Band 5 before tax.
Wales and Northern Ireland also settle AfC pay on their own timetables. Always check the employer’s published scale if you are relocating — Northern Ireland in particular can lag when a local award is still being implemented.
What usually comes off before you get paid
On a standard full-time contract, most Band 5 staff pay income tax once they clear the personal allowance, employee National Insurance, and an NHS pension contribution based on pensionable pay. Member contribution tiers from 1 April 2026 are listed by NHSBSA.
Student loans are common at this band. Thresholds and rates are on GOV.UK. Unsocial enhancements, if you work them, follow Section 2.
London posts may also attract HCAS under Annex 9. Model that separately rather than adding a rough percentage in your head.
A sensible checklist before you accept
- Confirm nation, band point and contracted hours in writing.
- Ask whether the post attracts HCAS and which zone (NHS Employers HCAS / pay scales).
- Look at the real rota against Section 2 unsocial rules.
- Enter your actual student loan plan using the GOV.UK thresholds.
- If you are moving nation, re-check tax rules — for Scotland start with GOV.UK Scottish Income Tax.