Pay structure – Pay Banding explained

Known as ‘Agenda for Change’, NHS pay is structured around different bandings for a fair and transparent pay structure. 

Levels of pay vary within each band according to experience. As your career develops, you can expect to earn more and move to the top of your pay banding before working your way up to the next one.

Support Workers, Trainee Nursing Associates and Trainee Assistant Practitioners are usually within Bands 2 to 4. Registered and Qualified Practitioners usually start within Band 5 or 6 and Specialist and Senior Practitioners including consultant level can climb all the way up to Band 8.

For non-healthcare-specific roles, banding is also dependent on experience and what relevant qualifications and specialist skills are needed. For example, Finance Officers usually start at Band 3 and Team Leaders at Band 4.

Pay Bands

• Band 1 – Up to £18,546
• Band 2 – Up to £19,918
• Band 3 – Up to £21,777
• Band 4 – Up to £24,882
• Band 5 – Up to £31, 534
• Band 6 – Up to £39,027
• Band 7 – Up to £45,839
• Band 8 – Up to £90,387

Find out more

Full information on pay banding can be found on the NHS Careers website.