NHS Band 8a Salary After Tax 2025-26
Modern matron, consultant AHP · Pay range: £53,755 – £60,504
NHS Band 8a tax breakdown 2025-26
| Item | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | £57,129 | £4,761 | £1,099 |
| Personal Allowance (tax-free) | £12,570 | £1,048 | £242 |
| Income Tax | −£10,284 | −£857 | −£198 |
| National Insurance | −£3,153 | −£263 | −£61 |
| Net take-home | £43,692 | £3,641 | £840 |
About NHS Band 8a
NHS Band 8a sits within the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay framework, which applies to the majority of NHS staff in England. Typical roles at this band include Modern matron, consultant AHP.
The pay range runs from £53,755 to £60,504. Staff progress through incremental pay points, usually annually subject to satisfactory performance. The mid-band salary of £57,129 is used for the calculations on this page.
To progress to Band 8b, staff typically need to demonstrate competencies at the higher level, take on additional responsibilities, or apply for a substantive post at that band. Some trusts offer development programmes to support AfC progression.
For context, Band 5 is the most common clinical entry point (e.g. newly qualified nurses and allied health professionals). Band 8a represents senior management or advanced specialist roles above the typical clinical entry grade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the take-home pay for NHS Band 8a?
On the mid-band salary of £57,129, an NHS Band 8a worker takes home £43,692 per year after Income Tax (£10,284) and National Insurance (£3,153). That is £3,641 per month.
How much is NHS Band 8a after tax per month?
Based on the mid-band salary of £57,129, NHS Band 8a take-home pay is £3,641 per month in 2025-26, after Income Tax and National Insurance deductions.
What jobs are NHS Band 8a?
Typical NHS Band 8a roles include: Modern matron, consultant AHP. These positions sit within the NHS Agenda for Change pay framework, which sets out standardised pay scales for NHS staff in England.
What is the hourly rate for NHS Band 8a?
The mid-band gross salary of £57,129 works out at £29 per hour (based on 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). After tax and NI, the net hourly rate is approximately £22.
How much tax does an NHS Band 8a worker pay?
On the mid-band salary of £57,129, an NHS Band 8a worker pays £10,284 in Income Tax and £3,153 in National Insurance — £13,437 in total deductions. The effective tax rate is 23.52%.
What is the difference between NHS Band 8a and Band 8b?
NHS Band 8a has a mid-band salary of £57,129 (take-home £43,692/year). Band 8b starts at a higher salary, typically reflecting greater responsibility, specialist expertise, or management duties. Progression to Band 8b usually requires demonstrating competencies at the higher level or applying for a substantive post.