NHS Occupational Therapy Assistant salary, 2026/27

Occupational Therapy Assistant pay by band, England 2026/27

The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Occupational Therapy Assistants are typically paid on. Most Occupational Therapy Assistants move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.

Occupational Therapy 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 Occupational Therapy Assistant on?

NHS Occupational Therapy Assistants sit at Band 3 or Band 4 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Occupational Therapy 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 Occupational Therapy Assistant earn in 2026/27?

On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Occupational Therapy Assistant earns between £25,760 and £31,157 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £13.17 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £15.93 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Occupational Therapy Assistants earn between £29,103 and £34,303 on the equivalent Scottish scale.

Where can I find Occupational Therapy 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 Occupational Therapy Assistant get London weighting?

Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Occupational Therapy 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 Occupational Therapy Assistants don't receive a London weighting equivalent.