NHS Band 5 pay 2026/27: the Band 5 nurse salary
Band 5 is where almost every newly qualified registered clinician starts, which makes it the most searched NHS band by some distance. Progression runs entry, then intermediate after 2 years, then top of band after a further 2, so a nurse who qualifies today reaches the top of Band 5 in 4 years if progression checks are met.
Checked 7 September 2026 · NHS Employers pay scales poster (Feb 2026)
- Starting salary£32,073
- Top of band£39,043
- Hourly (top of band)£19.97
- 2026 pay rise3.3%
Band 5 pay steps
| Step | 2026/27 salary | 2025/26 salary | Hourly (2026/27) | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £32,073 | £31,049 | £16.40 | 2 years to next step |
| Intermediate | £34,592 | £33,487 | £17.69 | 2 years to next step |
| Top | £39,043 | £37,796 | £19.97 | Top of band |
Hourly rates use the NHS standard divisor of 1,955.36 hours a year (37.5 hours × 52.143 weeks), the same method NHS Employers uses on the poster. Progression to each step needs the required time in post plus a satisfactory pay step review.
Who is on Band 5
Newly qualified nurses, midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, operating department practitioners, speech and language therapists.
London weighting
Band 5 staff in the capital get a high cost area supplement on top of the figures above: inner london adds 20% (between £5,794 and £8,746), outer london adds 15% (between £4,899 and £6,162), fringe adds 5% (between £1,339 and £2,323).
Common questions
How much does NHS Band 5 pay in 2026/27?
Band 5 pays between £32,073 and £39,043 a year in England from 1 April 2026. New starters begin on £32,073 and reach the top of the band through timed progression steps.
What is a Band 5 nurse salary?
A newly qualified nurse starts on Band 5 at £32,073 in England (2026/27), rising to £39,043 at the top of the band after 4 years of satisfactory progression. Inner London staff get a 20% high cost area supplement on top.
How long does it take to reach the top of Band 5?
4 years, if each progression check is passed: 2 years at entry, then 2 years at intermediate.
What was Band 5 pay in 2025/26?
£31,049 to £37,796. The 3.3% award from 1 April 2026 took it to the current figures.