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NHS vs private sector pay comparator

Compare a private job offer with an NHS post fairly, pension included.

Band

Pay point

Private sector salary offer (£)

Private employer pension contribution (%)

NHS package minus private package

£1,373

The NHS post is worth more

This doesn't count the NHS's extra leave, sick pay and maternity pay, which are often more generous than the private sector's.

The pension gap

The NHS employer pays 23.7% of your salary into your pension. Many private employers pay 3% to 8%. That gap can be worth thousands of pounds a year.

Estimates only, using national rates. Your payslip and your employer's policies are what count.