About M3 (Main Scale 3)
Third year teacher.
These are England & Wales rates outside London. Inner London, Outer London, and London Fringe areas have higher pay scales.
All Teacher Pay Points
| Scale Point | Salary | Take Home/Month |
|---|---|---|
| M1 (Main Scale 1) | £31,650 | £2,192 |
| M2 (Main Scale 2) | £33,483 | £2,302 |
| M3 (Main Scale 3) | £35,389 | £2,417 |
| M4 (Main Scale 4) | £37,322 | £2,533 |
| M5 (Main Scale 5) | £39,483 | £2,662 |
| M6 (Main Scale 6) | £41,333 | £2,773 |
| UPS1 (Upper Pay Scale 1) | £44,870 | £2,986 |
| UPS2 (Upper Pay Scale 2) | £46,525 | £3,085 |
| UPS3 (Upper Pay Scale 3) | £48,532 | £3,205 |
| Leadership L1 | £50,122 | £3,301 |
| Leadership L10 | £60,488 | £3,803 |
| Leadership L20 | £74,283 | £4,470 |
| Leadership L30 | £90,773 | £5,267 |
Teachers' Pension
Teachers contribute 7.4% to 11.7% to the Teachers' Pension Scheme depending on salary. This reduces take home pay but provides one of the best defined benefit pensions available.
Teacher Pay: Main Scale M3
M3 marks the midpoint of the Main Pay Scale. By this stage (typically year 3), teachers have completed their induction period and are developing specialist skills. Some teachers begin taking on additional responsibilities (TLR payments) at this stage.
Total Compensation at £29,664
The headline salary of £29,664 does not capture the full value of a teaching package. The Teachers' Pension employer contribution adds approximately £8,507/year. Combined with term-time working (13 weeks holiday versus 5.6 weeks minimum for other workers), the effective value is substantially higher than comparable private sector salaries. See £29,664 salary after tax for the take home breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the M3 teacher salary 2026/27?
The M3 (Main Scale 3) teacher salary for 2026/27 is £35,389 per year in England and Wales (outside London). Inner London M3 is higher at approximately £40,000. After tax and National Insurance, take home pay on M3 is £2,417 per month or £29,000 per year.
How long to reach M3?
Teachers typically reach M3 after three years of teaching, assuming satisfactory performance reviews each year. You start on M1 as an NQT, progress to M2 after year one, and reach M3 at the start of your third year. Progression is based on annual performance management reviews.
Main Pay Scale Comparison
| Scale Point | Salary | Take Home/Month | Difference from M3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | £31,650 | £2,192 | -£225/mo |
| M2 | £33,483 | £2,302 | -£115/mo |
| M3 (You are here) | £35,389 | £2,417 | — |
| M4 | £37,322 | £2,533 | +£116/mo |
| M5 | £39,483 | £2,662 | +£245/mo |
| M6 | £41,333 | £2,773 | +£356/mo |
Related Pages
Calculate exact take home with pension deductions
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