NHS vs Teacher Employer Pension — 2026/27 Data Card

A citation-ready, shareable comparison for journalists, bloggers, union reps and money pages. All figures follow GOV.UK scheme guidance.

Updated for the 2026/27 tax year (scheme rates from 1 April 2026).

NHS Pension (2015 CARE)

23.7%
Employer contribution (not taxed)

Member tiers 5.2%–12.5%. Accrual 1/54th of pensionable pay, revalued CPI + 1.5%.

GOV.UK — NHS Pension Scheme ↗

Teachers' Pension (CARE)

28.68%
Employer contribution (incl. 0.08% admin levy)

Member tiers 7.4%–11.7%. Accrual 1/57th of pensionable pay, revalued CPI + 1.5%.

GOV.UK — Teacher Pension Scheme ↗

Why the gap matters

On a £40,000 salary, the employer pays roughly £9,480 into an NHS pension but £11,472 into a teacher's pension — a £1,992 difference in "free" retirement saving. That gap is one reason teaching can out-pension nursing at the same headline pay. Both schemes use Net Pay Arrangement, so contributions also cut Income Tax and can pull adjusted net income below the £60k Child Benefit clawback and the £100k personal allowance taper.

Model it on the NHS calculator → Teacher calculator →

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<a href="https://uktakehomecalculator.co.uk/calculators/nhs-vs-teacher-pension-compare"> NHS employer pension 23.7% vs Teachers' 28.68% (2026/27) — free data card </a> via UK Take Home Calculator

Sources

Figures are for 2026/27 and shown for illustration. Not financial advice. Verify against your employer statement.

Related calculators & guides

NHS Salary Calculator Teacher Salary Calculator NHS Pension Explained Teachers' Pension Explained