NHS pension calculator 2026/27
Pick an Agenda for Change band — see your 2026/27 member tier, monthly contribution and take-home after tax and NI.
Member rate £28,855 – £35,155
8.3%
£222 / month from you · employer adds £633 (23.7%)
- Take-home / month
- £2,040
- Your pension / year
- £2,662
- Tax + NI
- £4,928
England & Wales 2026/27 tiers (NHSBSA). Net pay arrangement: tax relief on contributions, NI still on full pay. Not a payslip. NHSBSA rates.
Member contribution tiers from 1 April 2026
England & Wales (NHSBSA). Based on actual pensionable pay, not whole-time equivalent.
| Pensionable pay | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £13,259 | 5.2% |
| £13,260 – £28,854 | 6.5% |
| £28,855 – £35,155 | 8.3% |
| £35,156 – £52,778 | 9.8% |
| £52,779 – £67,668 | 10.7% |
| £67,669+ | 12.5% |
Take-home at popular bands (England AfC)
| Band | Gross | Pension | Take-home / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 5 entry | £32,073 | 8.3% | £24,483 |
| Band 6 entry | £39,959 | 9.8% | £29,157 |
| Band 7 entry | £49,387 | 9.8% | £35,206 |
FAQs
- What are NHS pension contribution rates in 2026/27?
- Six tiers from 5.2% (up to £13,259) to 12.5% (£67,669+). Thresholds rose 3.8% with CPI on 1 April 2026; the percentages are unchanged since April 2024.
- Is the NHS pension salary sacrifice?
- No. It uses a net pay arrangement: you get income-tax relief on contributions, but National Insurance is still calculated on full pay.
- How much does a Band 5 nurse pay into the pension?
- Band 5 entry (£32,073) sits in the 8.3% tier — about £221 a month. Employer contribution is 23.7% on top.