2025/26 Agenda for Change
NHS pay band salary guide
Band 2–8 rates for nurses, HCAs, RMNs and allied health professionals. Every Recruitment Site healthcare job shows pay upfront.
NHS pay bands at a glance
Agenda for Change sets NHS pay in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use similar banding with regional variations. Use this guide when comparing roles on Recruitment Site — every listing shows the salary band.
| Band | Typical roles | Salary (2025/26) |
|---|---|---|
| band 2 | Band 2 — HCA / Support Worker | £23,195 |
| band 3 | Band 3 — Clinical Support | £24,990 |
| band 4 | Band 4 — Associate Practitioner | £27,389 |
| band 5 | Band 5 — Registered Nurse | £28,407 – £34,581 |
| band 6 | Band 6 — Specialist / RMN / Physio | £35,392 – £42,618 |
| band 7 | Band 7 — Advanced / Manager | £46,148 – £52,809 |
| band 8 | Band 8 — Consultant / Director | £54,265 – £75,185 |
Healthcare roles by band
Registered Nurse (Band 5)
£28,407 – £34,581/yr
Care Assistant
Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
£23,195 – £23,195/yr
Support Worker
RMN (Mental Health Nurse)
£35,392 – £42,618/yr
Physiotherapist
£35,392 – £42,618/yr
Frequently asked questions
- What are NHS pay bands for 2025/26?
- NHS Agenda for Change pay bands range from Band 2 (£23,195) for HCAs to Band 8 (£54,265–£75,185) for consultants. Band 5 registered nurses earn £28,407–£34,581.
- Do all Recruitment Site healthcare jobs show NHS Band pay?
- Yes. Every healthcare listing requires salary disclosure. NHS Band roles show the relevant Agenda for Change rate.
- How do care home salaries compare to NHS bands?
- Care assistants typically earn £22,000–£28,000, similar to Band 2–3. Registered nurses in private care often match or exceed Band 5 NHS rates.