NHS Band 8a pay 2026/27
Band 8a is the first of the four Band 8 sub-bands (8a to 8d) that cover senior clinical and management roles. Matron and qualified advanced clinical practitioner posts commonly sit here.
Checked 7 September 2026 · NHS Employers pay scales poster (Feb 2026)
- Starting salary£57,528
- Top of band£64,750
- Hourly (top of band)£33.11
- 2026 pay rise3.3%
Band 8a pay steps
| Step | 2026/27 salary | 2025/26 salary | Hourly (2026/27) | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £57,528 | £55,690 | £29.42 | 2 years to next step |
| Intermediate | £60,417 | £58,487 | £30.90 | 3 years to next step |
| Top | £64,750 | £62,682 | £33.11 | 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 8a
Matrons, advanced clinical practitioners, principal pharmacists, clinical psychologists, service and departmental managers.
London weighting
Band 8a 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 8a pay in 2026/27?
Band 8a pays between £57,528 and £64,750 a year in England from 1 April 2026. New starters begin on £57,528 and reach the top of the band through timed progression steps.
How long does it take to reach the top of Band 8a?
5 years, if each progression check is passed: 2 years at entry, then 3 years at intermediate.
What was Band 8a pay in 2025/26?
£55,690 to £62,682. The 3.3% award from 1 April 2026 took it to the current figures.