How much you take home on a £26,000 salary in the UK for 2026-27. Full income tax, NI and Plan 5 student loan breakdown.
| Component | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | £26,000 | £2,167 |
| Income Tax (20%) | −£2,426 | −£202 |
| National Insurance (8%) | −£1,074 | −£90 |
| Pension (5%) | −£1,300 | −£108 |
| Take-home pay | £21,200 | £1,767 |
With a 5% pension contribution, taxable income is £24,700. The first £12,570 is covered by the personal allowance. Tax is 20% on £12,130, giving £2,426 per year or £202 per month. You are comfortably within the basic rate band.
NI is 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270. On £26,000 that is 8% on £13,430, giving £1,074 per year or £90 per month. Your effective NI rate is 4.1% of gross salary.
If you are on Plan 5 (started university in August 2023 or later), you repay 9% on earnings above £25,000. On £26,000 that is 9% on £1,000 = £90 per year (£7.50 per month) — a small deduction. Plan 2 (threshold £27,295) does not apply at this salary. Enter your plan in the calculator for exact take-home.
Scottish taxpayers on £26,000 pay slightly less income tax than in England due to the 19% Starter Rate. Scottish income tax is approximately £2,386 versus £2,426 in England — around £40 per year less. Scottish take-home is approximately £21,240 per year.
What is take-home pay on £26,000 in the UK?
On a £26,000 salary with 5% pension and no student loan, take-home pay is £21,200 per year (£1,767 per month) after £2,426 income tax and £1,074 NI in 2026-27.
How much income tax on £26,000?
On £26,000 with 5% pension, taxable income is £24,700. Tax is 20% on £12,130 above the personal allowance — giving £2,426 per year or £202 per month.
Does Plan 5 student loan apply on £26,000?
Yes. Plan 5 threshold is £25,000 so you repay 9% on £1,000 = £90 per year (£7.50/month). Plan 2 threshold is £27,295 so no Plan 2 repayments apply at this salary.
Free, accurate, 2026-27 rates. Scotland and tax code supported.