NHS Pharmacy Assistant salary, 2026/27
Pharmacy assistants support the pharmacy team with stock control, basic dispensing tasks and counter service. The role doesn't require GPhC registration and is typically banded at 2 or 3 depending on the level of responsibility. Many pharmacy assistants progress to pharmacy technician via the two-year apprenticeship.
- Range (England)
- £25,272 to £27,476
- Typical bands
- Band 2, Band 3
- Hourly entry
- £12.92
- Hourly top
- £14.05
Pharmacy Assistant pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Pharmacy Assistants are typically paid on. Most Pharmacy Assistants move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Pharmacy 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 Pharmacy Assistant on?
- NHS Pharmacy Assistants sit at Band 2 or Band 3 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Pharmacy 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 Pharmacy Assistant earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Pharmacy 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 Pharmacy Assistants earn between £26,696 and £31,409 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Pharmacy 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 Pharmacy Assistant get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Pharmacy 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 Pharmacy Assistants don't receive a London weighting equivalent.