Band 3 is commonly searched by staff who want a clear monthly take-home estimate for budgeting. The headline gross salary is useful, but what matters day to day is what reaches your bank account after standard deductions.
This page focuses on Band 3 take-home mechanics and the Band 3 pay points for 2026/27. For the pay award announcement context, use: NHS pay update 2026/27.
- Take-home pay (England/Wales/NI): Band 3 Take-Home Calculator
- Resident in Scotland? Band 3 Scotland Calculator
- Hourly rate from annual salary: Convert NHS Salary to Hourly
- Annual salary from hourly rate: Convert NHS Hourly to Salary
- Hourly rate from monthly pay: Convert NHS Monthly Pay to Hourly
Prefer the all-band calculator? Use: NHS Take-Home Pay Calculator
On this page
1. Band 3 salary and hourly rate (2026/27)
Band 3 pay varies by pay point. The figures below give a quick orientation for gross annual salary and gross hourly rate.
| Band 3 position | Gross annual salary (2026/27) | Hourly rate (gross) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £25,760 | *£13.17 |
| Top of band | £27,476 | *£14.05 |
*Gross hourly rate orientation. For a precise conversion based on your contracted hours, use: NHS Salary to Hourly.
Salary points are shown for quick reference. For personalised take-home pay (after deductions), use the NHS take-home calculator.
2. Estimated Band 3 take-home pay (monthly)
Your take-home pay depends on deductions, especially Income Tax, National Insurance, NHS pension contributions, and any student loan repayments. Even at Band 3, pension tier differences and student loans can make take-home pay vary between individuals.
Typical Band 3 monthly take-home ranges
These ranges are deliberately broad because pension tiers, tax codes and student loans can change the result.
- Entry level: ~£1,650 – £1,800 per month
- Top of band: ~£1,740 – £1,950 per month
For an accurate estimate based on your situation, use: Band 3 Take-Home Calculator.
3. 2026/27 vs 2025/26 (Band 3 pay rise impact)
The table below shows a simple gross comparison year-on-year. Take-home changes can differ once deductions are applied.
| Band 3 position | Gross annual salary 2025/26 | Gross annual salary 2026/27 | Annual increase | Hourly rate 2025/26 (gross) | Hourly rate 2026/27 (gross) | Hourly increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | £24,937 | £25,760 | +£823 | £12.75 | £13.17 | +£0.42 |
| Top of band | £26,598 | £27,476 | +£878 | £13.60 | £14.05 | +£0.45 |
Take-home pay does not usually increase in the same proportion as gross pay because of deductions and thresholds. For a personalised estimate, use the NHS take-home calculator.
4. Why your net increase can be smaller than expected
The headline uplift applies to gross pay. Your take-home can rise by less than the headline percentage because deductions and thresholds affect the “in-pocket” result.
Common reasons for Band 3
- Pension contribution tiers: if your pension percentage changes, your take-home uplift can shrink.
- Student loans: if applicable, repayments can reduce the visible uplift on the extra pay.
- Marginal deductions: the extra earnings are reduced by tax and NI at your marginal rates.
5. London weighting (HCAS) for Band 3
If you receive HCAS (London weighting), it increases gross pay but remains subject to deductions. If you are near an HCAS cap, your total uplift can be lower than expected even if basic pay rises.
6. Scotland vs England take-home differences
Scotland uses different income tax bands and rates, so the same Band 3 gross salary can produce a different take-home outcome depending on where you pay income tax.
If you pay Scottish income tax, use the Scotland version: Band 3 Scotland Calculator.
Calculate your exact Band 3 take-home pay
Get a personalised estimate based on pension contributions, student loans and location.
7. FAQs
How much does Band 3 take home per month?
Many Band 3 staff take home roughly £1,650 to £1,950 per month depending on pay point and deductions. Use the take-home calculator for a tailored estimate.
What is the Band 3 hourly rate?
In 2026/27, Band 3 gross hourly rates are around £13.17 to £14.05 depending on pay point. Convert your pay point precisely with NHS Salary to Hourly.
Why can Band 3 take-home pay vary between people on similar salaries?
Pension tiers, tax codes, student loan deductions, London weighting and additional pay elements can all change the net outcome. Two staff on the same gross salary can see different take-home pay.