Pay Bands in Health & Social Care
As part of a national framework of Terms & Conditions (known as ‘Agenda of Change’), the majority of HSC posts are ‘banded’ depending on the tasks required and level of responsibility across a number of core and specific dimensions.
The table below details the pay ranges for each Band of post. You should note that this table reflects basic pay – staff will receive a range of enhancements for working at evenings/nights, early mornings, weekends or on public holidays. These enhancements vary but can range from ‘time and a third’ up to ‘double time’ for work done during these unsocial hours.
Please note that Medical & Dental posts are not part of the Agenda for Change national framework – pay scales for these posts will be available on specific job advertisements.
Pay Bands and Pay Points for HSC Staff
Pay bands and pay points effective 2025/2026 – Updated 04.02.2026
| Band | Entry |
| Band 1* | £24,465 |
* Closed to new entrants.
If eligible, HSC staff will progress to the next pay point in their pay scale after the periods highlighted below.
| Band | Entry | Progression After | Top |
| Band 2 | £24,465 | 2 Years | £24,465 |
| Band 3 | £24,937 | 2 Years | £26,598 |
| Band 4 | £27,485 | 3 Years | £30,162 |
| Band | Entry | Progression After |
Intermediate | Progression After |
Top |
| Band 5 | £31,049 | 2 Years | £33,487 | 2 Years | £37,796 |
| Band 6 | £38,682 | 2 Years | £40,823 | 3 Years | £46,580 |
| Band 7 | £47,810 | 2 Years | £50,273 | 3 Years | £54,710 |
A new intermediate pay point has been introduced within bands 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 9 to which staff may progress after two years at the respective band.
| Band | Entry | Progression After | Intermediate | Progression After | Top |
| Band 8a | £55,690 | 2 | £58,487 | 3 | £62,682 |
| Band 8b | £64,455 | 2 | £68,631 | 3 | £74,896 |
| Band 8c | £76,965 | 2 | £81,652 | 3 | £88,682 |
| Band 8d | £91,342 | 2 | £96,941 | 3 | £105,337 |
| Band 9 | £109,179 | 2 | £115,763 | 3 | £125,637 |
A copy of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook can be downloaded from the NHS Employers website at: https://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/pay-and-reward/agenda-for-change/nhs-terms-and-conditions-of-service-handbook