HSC Northern Ireland pay calculator
Take-home pay for Health and Social Care staff in Northern Ireland on Agenda for Change, using the rates being paid now and the HSC Pension contribution rates from April 2026.
Where the 2026/27 rise stands
The pay review body recommended 3.3% from 1 April 2026 for Agenda for Change staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. England and Wales paid it on time. In Northern Ireland the Health Minister has said he wants to pay it, but it depends on the Executive agreeing a budget, so HSC staff are still on the 2025/26 rates.
A Band 5 at entry is paid £31,049 now, about £1,980 a month after tax and pension. If the 3.3% is paid it rises to £32,073, worth roughly £60 a month more, and it would be backdated to April.
HSC Pension contribution rates
The HSC Pension Scheme has its own rates, a little higher than England’s in most tiers.
| Pensionable pay from 1 April 2026 | You pay |
|---|---|
| Up to £13,259 | 5.2% |
| £13,260 to £28,854 | 6.7% |
| £28,855 to £35,155 | 8.5% |
| £35,156 to £52,778 | 10% |
| £52,779 to £67,668 | 10.9% |
| £67,669 and above | 12.7% |
Income Tax and National Insurance are the same as in England. For a pension forecast, use the NHS Pension calculator.
Common questions
Have HSC staff in Northern Ireland had the 2026/27 pay rise?
Not when we last checked. The recommended 3.3% is waiting for the Executive to agree a budget. When it is paid it should be backdated to 1 April 2026.
Are Northern Ireland pay bands the same as England?
The structure is the same, but Northern Ireland is a year behind while the 2026/27 rise is pending.
How much do HSC staff pay into their pension?
Between 5.2% and 12.7% of pensionable pay, based on actual pay, from 1 April 2026.