NHS Healthcare Assistant salary, 2026/27
Healthcare assistants (HCAs) support registered nurses and clinical teams with patient care: washing, dressing, feeding, mobility, basic clinical observations. Most newly recruited HCAs start on Band 2; experienced HCAs and clinical support workers with additional clinical skills move up to Band 3. The role is the most common entry point into the NHS without a clinical degree.
- Range (England)
- £25,272 to £27,476
- Typical bands
- Band 2, Band 3
- Hourly entry
- £12.92
- Hourly top
- £14.05
Healthcare Assistant pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Healthcare Assistants are typically paid on. Most Healthcare Assistants move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Healthcare Assistant pay in Scotland
Scottish NHS staff are paid on a separate pay scale, negotiated by the Scottish Government rather than the UK Pay Review Body. Scotland consistently pays more than England at every band. The figures below are the Scottish equivalents for the same bands.
Common questions
- What pay band is a Healthcare Assistant on?
- NHS Healthcare Assistants sit at Band 2 or Band 3 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Healthcare Assistants usually start on the lowest banding shown, with progression to the higher bands as they take on more senior or specialist work.
- How much does an NHS Healthcare Assistant earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Healthcare Assistant earns between £25,272 and £27,476 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £12.92 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £14.05 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Healthcare Assistants earn between £26,696 and £31,409 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Healthcare Assistant jobs in the NHS?
- NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) lists all current vacancies across the four UK nations. Filter by 'Pay Band' to focus on roles at the band you're interested in. HSC Recruit covers Northern Ireland (jobs.hscni.net) and NHS Scotland Jobs covers Scotland (jobs.scot.nhs.uk). Most Trusts also list vacancies on their own websites alongside the national portal.
- Does Healthcare Assistant get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Healthcare Assistants working at Inner London Trusts get 20% on top of basic pay (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746 for 2026/27). Outer London is 15%, Fringe is 5%. Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Healthcare Assistants don't receive a London weighting equivalent.