Accrual rate
The fraction of your salary that you earn as annual pension for each year of service in a defined benefit scheme.
Every DB pension scheme has an accrual rate that determines how fast your pension builds up. Common rates in UK public sector schemes: 1/80 (classic civil service, NHS 1995, LGPS pre-2008), 1/60 (premium civil service, NHS 2008, LGPS 2008), 1/54 (NHS 2015), 1/57 (TPS 2015), 1/49 (LGPS 2014), and 2.32% = ~1/43 (civil service alpha, the most generous).
Higher accrual rates mean more pension per year of service. The difference matters enormously over a career — 40 years at 1/80 gives half the pension of 40 years at 1/60 for the same salary.
A nurse on £40,000 in the NHS 2015 scheme (1/54 accrual) earns £740.74 of annual pension for each year of service. In the old 1995 scheme (1/80), the same salary earned only £500 per year.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025/26 tax rates and is not financial advice. Scottish taxpayers are subject to different income tax rates and bands. The calculations assume your salary is your only source of income and do not account for benefits in kind or other taxable income.
For personalised guidance on your pension contributions, speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser. You can find one via Unbiased or VouchedFor.