NHS Paramedic salary, 2026/27
Paramedics provide pre-hospital emergency care, responding to 999 calls and making clinical decisions on scene about treatment and transport. The role requires a three-year paramedic science degree and HCPC registration. Newly qualified paramedics start on Band 5 and consolidate to Band 6 after their NQP period. Specialist paramedics and advanced paramedics work at Band 7.
- Range (England)
- £32,073 to £56,515
- Typical bands
- Band 5, Band 6, Band 7
- Hourly entry
- £16.40
- Hourly top
- £28.90
Paramedic pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Paramedics are typically paid on. Most Paramedics move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Paramedic 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 Paramedic on?
- NHS Paramedics sit at Bands 5, 6 or Band 7 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Paramedics 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 Paramedic earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Paramedic earns between £32,073 and £56,515 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £16.40 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £28.90 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Paramedics earn between £34,544 and £61,466 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Paramedic 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 Paramedic get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Paramedics 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 Paramedics don't receive a London weighting equivalent.