NHS Pay Bands After Tax in Scotland 2025-26
NHS Scotland (NHS Employers in Scotland use Agenda for Change). Scottish income tax rates apply — the Higher Rate (42%) kicks in at £43,663. Select your band for full breakdown.
NHS Pay Bands in Scotland — Quick Reference
| Band | Roles | Salary range | Take-home (mid, Scotland) | Monthly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | Domestic, portering | £23,615 – £23,615 | £20,550 | £1,713 | View → |
| Band 2 | Healthcare assistant, admin support | £23,615 – £25,674 | £21,292 | £1,774 | View → |
| Band 3 | Senior HCA, phlebotomist | £24,071 – £25,674 | £21,456 | £1,788 | View → |
| Band 4 | Nursing associate, science technician | £26,530 – £29,114 | £23,576 | £1,965 | View → |
| Band 5 | Staff nurse, newly qualified therapist | £29,970 – £36,483 | £27,414 | £2,285 | View → |
| Band 6 | Specialist nurse, senior OT/physio | £37,338 – £44,962 | £33,040 | £2,753 | View → |
| Band 7 | Advanced nurse practitioner, team manager | £46,148 – £52,809 | £37,730 | £3,144 | View → |
| Band 8a | Modern matron, consultant AHP | £53,755 – £60,504 | £41,968 | £3,497 | View → |
| Band 8b | Head of department, senior consultant | £62,215 – £72,293 | £47,637 | £3,970 | View → |
All Pay Points in Scotland
Individual pay points with Scottish income tax applied:
Band 1 – £22,383 £19,664/yr Band 2 – £23,615 £20,550/yr Band 2 – £24,336 £21,070/yr Band 3 – £24,625 £21,278/yr Band 3 – £25,147 £21,654/yr Band 3 – £25,674 £22,034/yr Band 4 – £26,530 £22,649/yr Band 4 – £27,598 £23,418/yr Band 4 – £28,924 £24,359/yr Band 5 – £29,970 £25,101/yr Band 5 – £31,534 £26,212/yr Band 5 – £33,302 £27,467/yr Band 5 – £35,096 £28,741/yr Band 5 – £36,852 £29,987/yr Band 5 – £38,626 £31,248/yr Band 5 – £40,588 £32,641/yr Band 6 – £37,338 £30,333/yr Band 6 – £39,205 £31,658/yr Band 6 – £41,659 £33,401/yr Band 6 – £43,742 £34,862/yr Band 6 – £46,906 £36,445/yr Band 6 – £48,531 £37,257/yr Band 7 – £46,148 £36,066/yr Band 7 – £48,526 £37,255/yr Band 7 – £50,952 £38,508/yr Band 7 – £53,219 £39,778/yr Band 7 – £55,509 £41,060/yr Band 7 – £57,349 £42,090/yr Band 8a – £55,690 £41,162/yr Band 8a – £58,072 £42,496/yr Band 8a – £62,215 £44,816/yr Band 8b – £62,215 £44,816/yr Band 8b – £70,417 £49,409/yr Band 8b – £78,597 £53,881/yr Band 8c – £78,597 £53,881/yr Band 8c – £87,750 £58,732/yr Band 8c – £98,027 £64,180/yr Band 9 – £98,027 £64,180/yr Band 9 – £109,849 £70,445/yr Band 9 – £119,133 £75,366/yr
NHS Scotland pay and income tax
NHS Scotland staff on Agenda for Change (AfC) contracts are subject to Scottish income tax rates. The Scottish Higher Rate (42%) applies from £43,663/year — this affects Band 7 and higher staff. In England, the Higher Rate (40%) starts at £50,270.
For Band 6 (max £46,148) and Band 7 staff, the difference in Scottish IT versus English IT can be significant — up to £1,300/year more tax in Scotland.