How much does a Band 2 healthcare assistant earn?

In England, entry Band 2 basic is about £1,700 a month take-home on £25,272 a year (full-time, before unsocial hours). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use different pay points.

Most healthcare assistants sit on Agenda for Change Band 2. Figures below are full-time basic take-home estimates — not including unsocial enhancements.

Take-home by nationFull-time basic, entry and top pay points — no unsocial hours

Estimates assume 37.5 hours a week, tax code 1257L, NHS pension on, no student loan, no London weighting and no unsocial hours. Northern Ireland may show the latest published year labelled in the table.
Nation Entry basic Entry take-home / mo Top basic Top take-home / mo
England2026/27 £25,272 £1,700 £25,272 £1,700
Scotland2026/27 £26,658 £1,781 £28,947 £1,873
Wales2026/27 £26,300 £1,757 £26,300 £1,757
Northern Ireland2025/26 £24,852 £1,677 £24,852 £1,677

About this role

Band 2 covers healthcare assistants and many domestic or support posts. England often has a single Band 2 pay point; Scotland and other nations may still show entry and top points. Job titles vary by trust — check the band on the advert.

What comes off

  • Income tax and National Insurance — Scotland uses different tax bands.
  • NHS pension — tiered contribution; see the pension guide.
  • Student loan — common for newly qualified staff; see the student loan guide.
  • London weighting (England) — if you work in a designated zone; see HCAS.

Out-of-hours pay

Ward HCAs often work nights and weekends. Section 2 unsocial enhancements sit on top of basic pay. Day-only posts (for example some clinics) will be closer to the table. Add your shifts on a nation calculator, or read the unsocial hours guide.

Read NHS unsocial hours (Section 2), then add your nights and weekend shifts on a nation calculator.

Progression

Many HCAs progress to Band 3 clinical support roles. Compare Band 3 take-home on the CSW page or open a Band 3 calculator.

Open a calculatorAdd your hours and shifts

England Band 2 From £1,700 / mo at entry Scotland Band 2 From £1,781 / mo at entry Wales Band 2 From £1,757 / mo at entry Northern Ireland Band 2 From £1,677 / mo at entry

Common questions

Is a healthcare assistant always Band 2?

Most HCA posts are Band 2, but some trusts advertise Band 3 clinical support roles with overlapping titles. Always check the band on the job description.

Do HCA take-home figures include nights?

No. The nation table is basic full-time pay only. Nights and weekends add Section 2 enhancements — use the calculator to model your rota.

Why does Scotland show a different Band 2 salary?

Each UK nation publishes its own Agenda for Change pay points. Scotland’s rates and pay-point structure differ from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.