NHS Pay Progression: When You Move Up a Pay Point and What It Is Worth
Most bands have three pay points. Here is how long you wait for each step, what it is worth and what can delay it.
Updated · 3 min read
Try it with your own numbersNHS Pay Progression CalculatorPay progression is the way you move up through the pay points within your band. Since the 2018 pay deal, most bands have only two or three pay points, with fixed waiting times between them. Each step is a meaningful rise, so it is worth knowing when yours is due.
The pay points and waiting times
For 2026/27:
| Band | Entry | After | Middle | After | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 3 | £25,760 | 2 years | £27,476 | ||
| Band 4 | £28,392 | 3 years | £31,157 | ||
| Band 5 | £32,073 | 2 years | £34,592 | 2 years | £39,043 |
| Band 6 | £39,959 | 2 years | £42,170 | 3 years | £48,117 |
| Band 7 | £49,387 | 2 years | £51,932 | 3 years | £56,515 |
Bands 8a to 9 follow the same 2 then 3 year pattern. Band 2 has a single rate.
What each step is worth
The steps are larger than a typical pay award:
- Band 5: £2,519 after two years, then £4,451 after two more.
- Band 6: £2,211 after two years, then £5,947 after three more.
- Band 7: £2,545 after two years, then £4,583 after three more.
In total, a Band 5 nurse gains almost £7,000 between starting on the band and reaching the top four years later, before any pay awards.
What you need to move up
Progression is not automatic. At your progression review, usually part of your appraisal, your manager confirms that:
- You have met the standards expected for your role.
- You are up to date with statutory and mandatory training.
- There is no formal capability or disciplinary action in place.
If these are not met, the step can be delayed until they are. Most staff progress on time, but it is worth making sure your training record is complete well before your date.
What can change your date
Your date is based on the time spent on your current pay point. Some absences can change it, for example long periods of unpaid leave. Maternity leave and sickness absence do not normally stop your progression. If you are unsure of your exact date, your HR team or electronic staff record will show it.
Moving to a new band
If you are promoted, you normally start at the entry point of the new band and your waiting time starts again. If you are already near the top of your current band, compare carefully, because your first-day rise may be small. The band comparison guide shows how to weigh this up.
Worked example: a Band 6 career
A physiotherapist starts on Band 6 at £39,959 in April 2026. If her reviews are positive:
- April 2028: she moves to £42,170.
- April 2031: she reaches the top point of £48,117.
Each of those figures will also rise with any annual pay awards, so the cash amounts will be higher by the time she reaches them.
What a progression review looks like
The review is usually part of your annual appraisal. Your manager checks that you have met the objectives agreed at your last appraisal, completed mandatory training and shown the behaviours expected in your role. If something is missing, a plan should be agreed with a clear timescale so you can still progress.
Common questions
What if my appraisal is late? If the delay is caused by your employer, your progression should not normally be held back. Raise it with your manager or HR as soon as possible.
Does part-time work slow down progression? No. Progression is based on time on the pay point, not hours worked.
What if I am on maternity leave when my date comes up? Your progression should go ahead on time, with the review held when practical.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving mandatory training until the last minute.
- Not checking your next progression date after a promotion or change of role.
Work out your date
The pay progression calculator takes your band, current pay point and the date you started on it, and shows when you can move up, how many days are left and how much more you will earn.
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.