NHS Band 2 is a foundational grade under Agenda for Change, covering roles like healthcare assistants, administrative support, and domestic staff.
This page consolidates everything you need: Gross pay, net take-home, hourly rates, overtime, pension, leave, and more all based on the latest 2025/26 data.
What is NHS Band 2?
Band 2 comprises entry-level NHS roles, often requiring minimal formal qualifications. Common roles include:
- Healthcare Assistant
- Support Worker
- Clerical / administrative staff
- Domestic / catering staff
Progression over time can lead into Band 3 and higher, depending on training and experience.
Gross & Net Pay for Band 2 (2025/26)
The government announced a 3.6% pay rise for 2025/26, backdated to April 2025.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Gross Salary | £24,465 | After applying the 3.6 % pay rise effective 1 April 2025 |
| Monthly Gross | £2,038.75 | Annual salary divided by 12 |
| Pension Contribution (6.5%) | £171.75 | Based on 2025/26 NHS pension tiers |
| National Insurance (NI) | £132.52 | Typical deduction at this salary |
| Income Tax | £79.26 | Typical deduction at this salary |
| Net (Take-Home) Pay | £1,655.23 | After pension, NI, and tax |
| Net % of Gross | ~81 % | Equivalent to ~19 % total deductions |
Note: Net pay can vary depending on tax codes, student loans, childcare vouchers, and other personal circumstances.
Band 2 Hourly Rates & Overtime
Net pay depends on pension contributions, tax code, and hours worked. Assuming the standard NHS pension scheme and tax code 1257L:
| Pay Step | Approx. Net Monthly (Full-Time, 37.5 hrs) |
|---|---|
| Entry | £1,645 |
| Midpoint | £1,698 |
| Top Step | £1,745 |
After deductions, the average net hourly rate works out at around £10.19/hr for a full-time Band 2 worker.
Pension Contributions (2025/26)
From April 2025, NHS pension contribution bands are:
| Pensionable Pay Range | Contribution % |
|---|---|
| Up to £13,259.99 | 5.2% |
| £13,260 – £27,288.99 | 6.5% |
| £27,289 – £32,548.99 | 8.3% |
| £32,549 – £47,845.99 | 9.8% |
| £47,846 – £70,630.99 | 10.7% |
| £70,631+ | 12.5% |
Since Band 2 salary (£24,465) falls between £13,260 and £27,288.99, the applicable contribution rate is 6.5%.
Part-Time / Pro-Rata Band 2 Examples
Full-time NHS staff work 37.5 hours per week. To estimate part-time Band 2 pay:
- 30 hours/week (0.8 FTE):
- Gross: ~£1,631/month
- Net: ~£1,325/month
- 22.5 hours/week (0.6 FTE):
- Gross: ~£1,223/month
- Net: ~£995/month
- 20 hours/week (0.53 FTE):
- Gross: ~£1,086/month
- Net: ~£880/month
(These are approximate and assume the same pension/tax rates as full-time. Actual take-home may differ slightly due to thresholds and deductions.)
Annual Leave & Bank Holidays
Agenda for Change staff entitlements:
- 0–5 years service: 27 days + 8 bank holidays
- 5–10 years service: 29 days + 8 bank holidays
- 10+ years service: 33 days + 8 bank holidays
Regional note: NHS Wales staff receive +1 extra day leave (pro rata for part-time staff).
Bank holiday entitlement for part-time workers is calculated pro rata, based on contracted hours.
FAQs – NHS Band 2 2025/26 (People Also Ask)
Conclusion
NHS Band 2 roles may be entry-level, but they are critical to healthcare delivery. With the 2025/26 pay rise, staff receive a gross salary of £24,465 (around £1,655 net per month after deductions). Hourly rates are £12.51 gross, with enhanced overtime rates, pension benefits, and generous leave entitlements.
This guide consolidates everything into one page so you don’t need to navigate across multiple sources.
Methodology & Sources
Figures are based on:
- NHS Agenda for Change pay scales (2025/26)
- Standard UK tax, NI, and NHS pension contribution rules effective April 2025
- Worked net-pay examples calculated using current pension thresholds and tax codes
Actual take-home pay may vary depending on tax code, location, pension scheme, student loans, and other individual circumstances.