Understanding the Band 4 Salary in 2026/27

The band 4 salary is a key pay point within the NHS Agenda for Change framework, covering roles such as administrative assistants, healthcare support workers, and some technical staff. For the 2026/27 financial year, NHS Employers has confirmed the pay scales, which show an annual salary range from £28,392 at the entry step to £31,157 after three years at the top step. These figures are based on a standard full-time contract of 37.5 hours per week, giving hourly rates of £14.52 and £15.93 respectively.

How the Hourly Rate Is Derived

The NHS calculates hourly pay by dividing the annual salary by the number of paid hours in a year. With a 37.5-hour week, the total paid hours are 37.5 × 52.143 = 1,955 hours. So for the entry step: £28,392 ÷ 1,955 = £14.52 per hour. For the top step: £31,157 ÷ 1,955 = £15.93 per hour. This conversion is useful for anyone comparing job offers or checking their pay against the National Living Wage or median UK earnings.

If you want to convert your own hourly rate to an annual salary, you can use our Hourly to Salary calculator, which applies the same principle: annual ≈ hourly × hours per week × 52 weeks. Remember that this assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime or bonuses.

Part-Time and Pro-Rata Pay

One of the most common questions about the band 4 salary is how it applies to part-time workers. The NHS pays the same hourly rate regardless of contracted hours. So a part-time employee working 20 hours per week on the entry step would earn £14.52 per hour, giving a weekly pay of £290.40 and an annual salary of approximately £15,101 (20 hours × 52 weeks × £14.52). All benefits, including annual leave and pension contributions, are calculated pro-rata based on the proportion of full-time hours.

This approach makes it straightforward to compare full-time and part-time roles. The hourly rate is the constant; the annual figure changes with hours. For more detailed comparisons across different roles, see our salary data page, which includes median earnings from the ONS and other benchmarks.

How Band 4 Compares to UK Benchmarks

The ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) for April 2025 shows that median gross annual earnings for full-time employees were £39,039, and median hourly pay (excluding overtime) was £19.67. The band 4 salary range of £28,392 to £31,157 is below these medians, reflecting its classification as a support role. However, it is well above the National Living Wage, which was £12.21 per hour in April 2025 (rising to £12.71 for 2026/27).

It is also important to note that NHS staff on Band 4 may receive additional payments for unsocial hours. The Agenda for Change handbook specifies enhancements of 30% for weekday nights and Saturdays, and 60% for Sundays and bank holidays. These can significantly boost take-home pay, especially for those working regular shifts outside Monday to Friday.

London Weighting and HCAS

For staff working in higher-cost areas, particularly London and the South East, the band 4 salary may be supplemented by a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). The NHS Employers pay scales include separate HCAS rates, which increase both the annual and hourly figures. For example, the entry step annual salary inclusive of HCAS is higher than the basic rate. Always check your specific contract and location to see if HCAS applies.

Key Caveats When Interpreting Band 4 Pay

• Basic pay only: The hourly rates quoted are before any unsocial hours enhancements. Actual hourly earnings can be higher depending on shift patterns.
• Gross figures: All amounts are before deductions for tax, National Insurance and pension contributions. Take-home pay will be roughly 30% lower.
• No overtime assumption: The conversion from hourly to annual assumes a steady 37.5-hour week. If you work additional hours, your actual annual pay will be higher.
• Part-time pro-rata: As explained, part-time staff receive the same hourly rate but a reduced annual salary.

Why Hours per Week Matter

The assumption of hours per week is critical when converting between hourly and annual pay. The NHS uses 37.5 hours, but other sectors may use 35, 40 or even 37 hours. Always confirm your contracted hours before making comparisons. Our Hourly to Salary tool allows you to adjust the hours per week to match your situation.

Summary

The band 4 salary for 2026/27 offers a clear progression from £28,392 to £31,157 over three years, with corresponding hourly rates of £14.52 to £15.93. Part-time workers benefit from the same hourly rate, and unsocial hours enhancements can increase total earnings. While below the UK median full-time salary of £39,039, Band 4 pay is above the National Living Wage and provides a stable career pathway within the NHS.

For further reading on how your pay compares to national averages, visit our salary articles section, which covers topics like median earnings, minimum wage updates, and sector-specific pay scales.