What is the take-home pay for an NHS Band 2 in 2026/27?

On £25,272 gross with the 6.5% NHS pension tier, take-home is about £20,401 a year, or £1,700 a month, after Income Tax, National Insurance and the contribution. An inner London High Cost Area Supplement adds £5,794, the floor of the collar, taking gross to £31,066.

Why is Band 2 a single flat rate not a range?

The published 2026/27 Agenda for Change table has one pay point for Band 2, so everyone employed on the band is paid the same basic rate. Moving up means being appointed to a Band 3 post.

NHS Band 2 Salary 2026/27: Healthcare Assistant Take-home

Band 2 covers healthcare assistants and other entry-level support roles at a single 2026/27 Agenda for Change rate of £25,272, with no progression inside the band. London weighting and unsocial-hours enhancements add on top.

Typical pay & take-home

Agenda for Change Band 2, a single pay point: £25,272
A single published point, not a range: £25,272–£25,272
Take-home on that salary: £20,401 England, after the 6.5% NHS pension contribution, Income Tax and NI.

At £25,272, you earn 35% below the UK full-time median (£39,039), placing you between the 10th percentile (£23,990) and the 25th percentile (£29,262) of UK full-time earnings.

See exact take-home for £25,272 →

What influences nhs band 2 healthcare assistant pay

Band 2 has no within-band progression in the 2026/27 AfC structure - everyone on the band sits at £25,272. Moving up means applying for a Band 3 post once you have taken on assessed clinical responsibilities.

High Cost Area Supplements lift the headline: 20% of basic in inner London, 15% in outer London and 5% in the fringe, each subject to a minimum and a maximum. On £25,272 the inner London minimum of £5,794 applies, because 20% of basic falls below it, so gross is £31,066.

Where a Band 2 post works unsocial hours, Section 2 of the AfC handbook pays enhancements on top of basic. In England Band 2 is paid time plus 41% for Saturdays and for weekday nights between 8pm and 6am, and time plus 83% for Sundays and public holidays - higher than the 30% and 60% paid from Band 4 upwards.

Career progression

Band 2 entry and ceiling: £25,272 (a single pay point in 2026/27).
Band 3 entry: £25,760 (typically Senior HCA / clinical support worker).
Band 4 entry: £28,392 (Assistant Practitioner / Nursing Associate).
Band 5 entry: £32,073 (registered nurse / qualified practitioner).

Frequently asked questions

What is the take-home pay for an NHS Band 2 in 2026/27?: On £25,272 gross with the 6.5% NHS pension tier, take-home is about £20,401 a year, or £1,700 a month, after Income Tax, National Insurance and the contribution. An inner London High Cost Area Supplement adds £5,794, the floor of the collar, taking gross to £31,066.
Why is Band 2 a single flat rate not a range?: The published 2026/27 Agenda for Change table has one pay point for Band 2, so everyone employed on the band is paid the same basic rate. Moving up means being appointed to a Band 3 post.

All UK professions →

Sources

NHS Employers - Agenda for Change pay scales 2026/27
NHS Employers - NHS Pension Scheme member contribution rates
NHS Employers - NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook
ONS - ASHE 2025 Table 14.7a, annual pay by SOC 2020 occupation (occupational pay)
ONS — Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2025 (UK full-time median and percentiles)
HMRC — Rates and thresholds 2026/27
Our full methodology & calculation sources →