NHS Band 3 Pay 2026/27: Salary, Hourly Rate & Career Guide

Last updated: 26 September 2026 · Figures verified against the NHS Employers 2026/27 pay circular.

By the NHS Bands Pay editorial team

Band 3 salary 2026/27

Band 3 has two pay steps. Hourly rates are annual salary ÷ 52.2 ÷ 37.5, the standard NHS calculation. All figures are full-time equivalent (37.5 hours a week) for England under Agenda for Change (see what is Agenda for Change); Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own awards. For every band's figures, see NHS pay bands 2026/27.

Source: NHS Employers 2026/27 pay award; rates also published by Health Careers NHS.

2025/26 vs 2026/27

The NHS pay rise 2026/27 of 3.3% added roughly £823 a year at entry and £878 at the top of the band.

Typical Band 3 roles

Band 3 is the experienced support-worker band. Common roles include:

• Senior healthcare assistant / senior support worker
• Emergency care assistant (ambulance service)
• Pharmacy assistant
• Maternity support worker
• Senior administrator / medical secretary
• Therapy assistant

Many staff reach Band 3 after gaining experience at NHS Band 2 pay levels and completing the Care Certificate and further training. The natural next step is NHS Band 4 pay (for example, the nursing associate route).

Pay progression in Band 3

Band 3 has two pay steps: entry, then the top of the band after around 2 years' experience, subject to a satisfactory appraisal and completion of statutory and mandatory training. Progression is not automatic — it was linked to appraisals under the 2018 Agenda for Change framework deal.

Moving from Band 3 to Band 4 requires appointment to a Band 4 post (such as nursing associate), not simply length of service.

Band 3 hourly rates, overtime and unsocial hours

• Overtime: time-and-a-half for hours above 37.5 a week; double time for overtime on bank holidays. At the top of Band 3, an overtime hour is worth about £21.06 (£14.04 × 1.5).
• Unsocial hours (Section 2): Band 3 enhancements are +37% for Saturday and weekday night shifts (8pm–6am) and +74% for Sundays and public holidays.
• Part-time staff: additional hours above contracted hours up to 37.5 are paid at plain time; overtime rates apply only above 37.5.

See the full rules and worked examples for NHS unsocial hours pay rates.

Band 3 with London weighting (HCAS)

In 2026/27, inner London HCAS is 20% of basic salary between a £5,794 minimum and £8,746 maximum. This is how London weighting for Band 3 works in practice: for a Band 3 at entry (£25,760), 20% would be £5,152 — below the minimum — so the £5,794 minimum applies, giving roughly £31,554 total. Outer London (15%, £4,870–£6,137) and fringe (5%, £1,346–£2,270) follow the same principle. Details: NHS London weighting 2026/27.

Pension and leave

• Pension: Band 3 salaries sit in the 6.5% employee contribution tier (2025/26 official thresholds: £13,260–£27,797 of whole-time equivalent pensionable pay; 2026/27 thresholds not yet published). The employer contributes 23.7%.
• Annual leave: 27 days plus 8 bank holidays on appointment, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years (pro rata for part-time).

Frequently asked questions

How much do NHS Band 3 get paid in 2026/27?

£25,760 at entry rising to £27,476 at the top of the band (£13.16–£14.04 an hour), full-time equivalent in England, plus any overtime, unsocial-hours enhancements or London weighting.

What is the Band 3 hourly rate?

£13.16 an hour at entry and £14.04 at the top of the band in 2026/27, calculated as annual salary ÷ 52.2 ÷ 37.5.

What jobs are Band 3 in the NHS?

Senior healthcare assistants, emergency care assistants, pharmacy assistants, maternity support workers, therapy assistants and senior administrators are typically Band 3.

How long does it take to reach the top of Band 3?

Around 2 years' experience, subject to a satisfactory appraisal and mandatory training. Band 3 has two pay steps: entry and top.

What is the difference between Band 2 and Band 3 pay?

In 2026/27, Band 2 is a single spot salary of £25,272, while Band 3 runs £25,760–£27,476. Band 3 roles typically require greater experience, delegated clinical tasks and sometimes supervision of Band 2 staff.

Do Band 3 staff get unsocial hours pay?

Yes: +37% for Saturday and weekday night shifts, +74% for Sundays and public holidays, under Section 2 of the Agenda for Change handbook.

This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the NHS. Figures are full-time equivalent (37.5 hours/week) for England. Always check your trust's ESR record and your payslip for your actual pay.