NHS Band 8d pay 2026/27
Band 8d is a deputy-director grade, one step below the top of the Agenda for Change structure.
Checked 7 September 2026 · NHS Employers pay scales poster (Feb 2026)
- Starting salary£94,356
- Top of band£108,814
- Hourly (top of band)£55.65
- 2026 pay rise3.3%
Band 8d pay steps
| Step | 2026/27 salary | 2025/26 salary | Hourly (2026/27) | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £94,356 | £91,342 | £48.26 | 2 years to next step |
| Intermediate | £100,140 | £96,941 | £51.21 | 3 years to next step |
| Top | £108,814 | £105,337 | £55.65 | 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 8d
Deputy directors of nursing, chief pharmacists, directors of operations for large divisions.
London weighting
Band 8d 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 8d pay in 2026/27?
Band 8d pays between £94,356 and £108,814 a year in England from 1 April 2026. New starters begin on £94,356 and reach the top of the band through timed progression steps.
How long does it take to reach the top of Band 8d?
5 years, if each progression check is passed: 2 years at entry, then 3 years at intermediate.
What was Band 8d pay in 2025/26?
£91,342 to £105,337. The 3.3% award from 1 April 2026 took it to the current figures.