NHS Band 3 pay 2026/27
Band 3 has two pay points. You start on the entry rate and become eligible to move to the top of the band after 2 years, subject to the standard pay progression check with your line manager.
Checked 7 September 2026 · NHS Employers pay scales poster (Feb 2026)
- Starting salary£25,760
- Top of band£27,476
- Hourly (top of band)£14.05
- 2026 pay rise3.3%
Band 3 pay steps
| Step | 2026/27 salary | 2025/26 salary | Hourly (2026/27) | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | £25,760 | £24,937 | £13.17 | 2 years to next step |
| Top | £27,476 | £26,598 | £14.05 | Top of band |
Hourly rates use the NHS standard divisor of 1,955.36 hours a year (37.5 hours × 52.143 weeks), the same method NHS Employers uses on the poster. Progression to each step needs the required time in post plus a satisfactory pay step review.
Who is on Band 3
Emergency care assistants, clinical support workers, therapy assistants, healthcare science assistants, ward clerks.
London weighting
Band 3 staff in the capital get a high cost area supplement on top of the figures above: inner london adds 20% (between £5,794 and £8,746), outer london adds 15% (between £4,899 and £6,162), fringe adds 5% (between £1,339 and £2,323).
Common questions
How much does NHS Band 3 pay in 2026/27?
Band 3 pays between £25,760 and £27,476 a year in England from 1 April 2026. New starters begin on £25,760 and reach the top of the band through timed progression steps.
How long does it take to reach the top of Band 3?
2 years, if each progression check is passed: 2 years at entry.
What was Band 3 pay in 2025/26?
£24,937 to £26,598. The 3.3% award from 1 April 2026 took it to the current figures.