NHS Band 3 Pay Scale 2025/26
Annual and hourly rates across all UK regions
| Experience | England | Wales | Scotland | N. Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting (Annual) | £24,937 | £25,331 | £28,011 | £24,071 |
| Starting (Hourly) | £12.79 | £13.00 | £14.37 | £12.35 |
| After 2 Years (Annual) | £26,598 | £26,999 | £30,230 | £25,674 |
| After 2 Years (Hourly) | £13.64 | £13.85 | £15.51 | £13.17 |
| Monthly (Starting) | £2,078 | £2,111 | £2,334 | £2,006 |
* These rates are effective from April 2025 and are based on a standard 37.5 hour working week. Pay progression occurs after 2 years.
Typical Roles in NHS Band 3
Band 3 encompasses senior support roles requiring advanced skills, experience, and often specialized training:
Career Progression from Band 3
Band 3 offers excellent opportunities for career advancement within the NHS:
Excel in Your Current Role
Demonstrate competency, complete KSF requirements, and take on additional responsibilities to build experience.
Consider Additional Qualifications
Pursue Nursing Associate apprenticeship, Foundation Degrees, or specialized certifications relevant to your field.
Progress to Band 4
Apply for Band 4 roles (Nursing Associate, Assistant Practitioner) earning £27,485-£30,162 with professional qualifications.
Consider Registered Professional Training
Many Band 3 staff progress to nursing degrees, allied health professional training, or other professional qualifications for Band 5+.
NHS Band 3 Benefits & Perks
NHS Pension Scheme
6.5% employee contribution with generous employer contributions
Annual Leave
27 days rising to 33 days, plus 8 bank holidays
Overtime & Enhancements
Time-and-a-half overtime plus unsocial hours payments
Training & Development
Access to specialist training and apprenticeship programs
Sick Pay
Occupational sick pay scheme
NHS Discounts
Access to exclusive NHS staff discounts
Compare with Other NHS Pay Bands
What is Agenda for Change?
Agenda for Change (AfC) is the National Health Service's comprehensive pay and grading system, implemented in December 2004 to standardize pay scales and ensure fair, consistent compensation across the NHS. This landmark framework covers over one million NHS staff members, providing a clear structure for career progression and development.
The Agenda for Change system applies to most NHS employees including nurses, midwives, paramedics, healthcare assistants, therapists, and administrative staff. However, it excludes doctors, dentists, and some very senior managers who have separate pay arrangements. The framework encompasses nine pay bands (Band 1 through Band 9), with each band containing multiple pay points that reflect increasing experience and responsibility.
A key component of Agenda for Change is the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF), which supports personal development and career advancement. The KSF ensures staff members are equipped with the necessary competencies for their roles and provides a structured pathway for progression. Pay progression within each band typically occurs annually based on satisfactory performance and the achievement of relevant KSF competencies.
The system was designed to eliminate outdated pay practices and create equity across different NHS roles and regions. By establishing transparent pay bands linked to job evaluation, Agenda for Change ensures that staff performing similar roles with comparable responsibilities receive consistent pay, regardless of their specific job title or location within the NHS.
NHS Pay Rise 2025/26
3.6% Pay Increase for 2025/26 | Backdated to April 1, 2025
In May 2025, the UK government announced a 3.6% pay increase for all Agenda for Change staff for the 2025/26 financial year, backdated to April 1, 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of above-inflation pay rises for NHS workers, following a 5.5% increase in 2024/25. These pay awards demonstrate the government's commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of NHS staff and addressing the challenges posed by inflation and rising cost-of-living expenses.
The cumulative impact of recent pay awards has been significant. Band 3 starting salaries have increased substantially, with the entry point now at £24,937 and the top of the band at £26,598 in England. This represents a meaningful increase over the past three years, ensuring Band 3 staff are fairly compensated for their vital specialized support roles.
Recent NHS Pay Awards Timeline:
These pay increases apply uniformly across all Agenda for Change bands, ensuring that all NHS staff—from healthcare support workers to senior nurses and allied health professionals—receive fair recognition for their dedication and service. The government has worked closely with NHS Employers and trade unions to negotiate these settlements, balancing the need to reward staff appropriately while maintaining fiscal responsibility.