What is NHS Band 3 pay in 2026/27?

Band 3 covers Emergency care assistants, therapy support workers. Pay ranges from £25,760 to £27,476 (England) across 2 pay points. At Year 1, gross pay is £25,760. Rates are set nationally by the NHS Pay Review Body and updated each April.

How much did Band 3 pay rise in 2026/27?

Entry-point gross rose by £823 (3.3%) from 2025/26 to 2026/27. Use the calculator to see the net change at Year 1 after pension, tax and NI.

How much does a Band 3 Emergency care assistants take home after tax?

In 2026/27 at Year 1, monthly take-home after pension, tax and National Insurance is around £1,727 (England). Across the band, the range is £1,727–£1,823. Use the calculator for a personalised figure with student loans or salary sacrifice.

How does the NHS pension affect Band 3 pay?

NHS Pension contributions are deducted before income tax under a NET pay arrangement, so you get full tax relief automatically. The contribution rate for Band 3 is 6.5% of salary. That reduces your taxable income but not your National Insurance, which is calculated on your full gross pay.

Does Band 3 pay include London weighting?

Base pay does not include London weighting. Staff in qualifying areas receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) on top, ranging from 5% in the fringe zone to 20% in inner London. HCAS is pensionable and affects your take-home calculation.

Last updated 29 April 2026

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At a Glance
FAQ

NHS Band 3 Pay

Looking at the wrong band? Try Band 2 or Band 4.

At a glance

Band 3 includes Emergency care assistants, therapy support workers across 2 pay points. Your salary is taxed at the basic rate (20%), and your pension contribution sits at 6.5% on most of your pay. Salary sacrifice and the pension opt-out decision are the main financial levers worth modelling at this income.

See your pay and pension

Build a personalised scenario with your band, pay point, region, and pension options then see the monthly breakdown in the calculator.

At a glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NHS Band 3 pay in 2026/27?expand_circle_down

How much did Band 3 pay rise in 2026/27?expand_circle_down

How much does a Band 3 Emergency care assistants take home after tax?expand_circle_down

How does the NHS pension affect Band 3 pay?expand_circle_down

Does Band 3 pay include London weighting?expand_circle_down