Nursing is a demanding but intrinsically rewarding career. They provide essential medical care and support to patients of all ages, often working long and irregular hours. But how much do nurses earn in return? Discover the pay you can expect at different salary bands, employee benefits and more below.
How Does Nursing Pay Work In The UK?
Nursing pay in the UK is primarily determined by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system, which ensures fair, standardised pay across the entire National Health Service (NHS). Nurses are placed into different pay bands based on their experience, responsibilities, and qualifications. Newly qualified nurses usually start at Band 5, with opportunities for progression into higher bands with greater experience and skill development.
The AfC provides transparency and structure to nurse earnings (UK-based NHS nurses only), guaranteeing that they receive fair compensation for their vital work. Recent pay increases also demonstrate an ongoing commitment to recognising and rewarding the dedication of nurses within the NHS system.
How Much Does A Nurse Earn In The UK?
An exact answer to ‘What do nurses earn?’ depends on various factors, including the nurse's level of education and experience, the type of nursing they practice, and their job location.
In general, nurses in the UK earn competitive salaries with other professions, although they may not be as high as those in some other fields. If you’re wondering how much does a newly qualified nurse earn, according to the National Health Service (NHS), the starting salary for a newly qualified nurse at band 5 is £29,969 per year. However, nurses with more experience and advanced education can earn significantly more. For example, a nurse with a master's degree will earn a salary over £40,000 a year.
Nursing is a diverse field, and many different types of nurses work in various settings. Some nurses work in hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities. The kind of nursing a person does can also affect their salary. For example, nurses working in intensive care units or operating rooms may earn more than those in other areas. Whether you work for the NHS or in private practice can also impact pay levels.
Overall, the salary of a nurse in the UK is determined by a combination of factors, including education, experience, location, and the type of nursing they do. While it may not be the highest-paying profession, it is a fulfilling career that offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
NHS Nurse Salary Bands and Levels
While private practice nurse earnings aren’t so clearly set out, the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system provides those wondering ‘How much do NHS nurses earn?’ with a detailed framework. This enables any aspiring NHS nurse to easily see what they will earn throughout each stage of their career.
In accordance with the last update detailed on nurses.co.uk, these bands are currently set as below.
NHS Nurse Starting Salary
Graduate NHS nurses start on a Band 5 nurse salary which begins at £29,969 and grows to £36,483 with experience.
More specially, graduate NHS nurses in Band 5 can expect:
0-1 years’ experience - £29,969
1-2 years’ experience - £29,969
2-3 years’ experience - £32,324
3-4 years’ experience - £32,324
4-5 years’ experience - £36,483
5-6 years’ experience - £36,483
6-7 years’ experience - £36,483
7+ years’ experience - £36,483
NHS Band 6 Nurse Salary
Nurses at this level would typically work in nurse specialist or senior nurse roles and would command a wage between £37,339 and £44,962.
More specifically, Band 6 nurses can earn:
0-1 years’ experience - £37,339
1-2 years’ experience - £37,339
2-3 years’ experience - £39,404
3-4 years’ experience - £39,404
4-5 years’ experience - £39,404
5-6 years’ experience - £44,962
6-7 years’ experience - £44,962
7-8 years’ experience - £44,962
8+ years’ experience - £44,962
NHS Band 7 Nurse Salary
This Band caters to nurse practitioners or advanced nurses and typically requires you to have a Master’s degree for entry. In Band 7, nurses can expect to earn between £46,148 to £52,809 per year.
More specifically, a Band 7 nurse’s income will be:
0-1 years’ experience - £46,148
1-2 years’ experience - £46,148
2-3 years’ experience - £48,526
3-4 years’ experience - £48,526
4-5 years’ experience - £48,526
5-6 years’ experience - £52,809
6-7 years’ experience - £52,809
7-8 years’ experience - £52,809
8+ years’ experience - £52,809
NHS Band 8 Nurse Salary
You’ll be in a head of nursing teams’ role if you make it into Band 8, such as a chief nurse or modern matron. Band 8 have sub-bands a, b, c and d with the nurse yearly income increasing through each. As a Band 8 nurse, you can expect to earn between £53,754 and £101,677 per year.
More specifically, nurses in Band 8 can receive:
Nurse Band 8a
0-1 years’ experience - £53,754
1-2 years’ experience - £53,754
2-3 years’ experience - £56,454
3-4 years’ experience - £56,454
4-5 years’ experience - £56,454
5+ years’ experience - £60,503
Nurse Band 8b
0-1 years’ experience - £62,215
1-2 years’ experience - £62,215
2-3 years’ experience - £66,247
3-4 years’ experience - £66,247
4-5 years’ experience - £66,247
5+ years’ experience - £72,294
Nurse Band 8c
0-1 years’ experience - £74,290
1-2 years’ experience - £74,290
2-3 years’ experience - £78,814
3-4 years’ experience - £78,814
4-5 years’ experience - £78,814
5+ years’ experience - £85,601
Nurse Band 8d
0-1 years’ experience - £88,167
1-2 years’ experience - £88,167
2-3 years’ experience - £93,571
3-4 years’ experience - £93,571
4-5 years’ experience - £93,571
5+ years’ experience - £101,677
NHS Band 9 Nurse Salary
The highest nursing band offered by the NHS is Band 9 and it pays the annual income of nurses in consultant-level roles. As an expert in your area of nursing, you will be one of the highest-earning nurses and can expect to receive between £105,385 and £121,271 each year!
More specifically, consultant nurses can earn:
0-1 years’ experience - £105,385
1-2 years’ experience - £105,385
2-3 years’ experience - £111,739
3-4 years’ experience - £111,739
4-5 years’ experience - £111,739
5+ years’ experience - £121,271
Benefits of Being an NHS Nurse
Beyond competitive salaries, being an NHS nurse offers a range of attractive benefits. Here are some of the main ones:
Annual Leave Entitlement
With a minimum of 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, you'll have ample time to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Pension Benefits
The generous NHS pension scheme is considered one of the best in the UK, offering financial security in retirement with contributions from both you and the NHS.
Career Opportunities & Progression Paths
The NHS prioritises ongoing professional development for its employees. By working as an NHS nurse, you'll have access to ample CPD training courses and resources to keep your nursing skills sharp and explore career specialisations.
You’ll also have a clear progression path set out for you, as the NHS offers a structured career framework with well-defined pathways for advancement. With experience and additional qualifications, you can move up through pay bands, taking on more responsibility and leadership roles.
These benefits, combined with the satisfaction of directly contributing to patient care within a respected healthcare system, make being an NHS nurse a truly fulfilling career choice.
FAQs
How Much Do UK Nurses Earn?
UK nurse salaries vary depending on experience and location but typically range between £29,969 and £85,601 annually. Newly qualified nurses in the NHS usually start around £29,969, with the potential to earn more through experience and progression through pay bands. Private practice nurse wages vary depending on the employer but can often be higher.
Who Is The Highest Paid Nurse In The UK?
While specific salaries can vary, some of the highest-paid nursing specialities in the UK include:
- Nurse anaesthetists
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Neonatal intensive care nurses (NICU nurses)
- Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)
These roles often require additional qualifications and experience but offer competitive compensation.
What Is Band 1 Nurse In UK?
The Band 1 designation in the UK National Health Service (NHS) is not currently used for nursing roles. It applies to various support and administrative positions requiring minimal qualifications and involving routine tasks.
Previously, Band 1 included roles like nursery assistants, but these have since been reclassified into other bands. For nursing positions, Band 5 is the typical starting point for newly qualified nurses.
Start A Rewarding Nursing Career
Nursing is a demanding yet rewarding career that offers you the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. By choosing this path, you'll continuously learn valuable skills, enjoy generous benefits, and have a clear career progression route set out for you.
For those wondering ‘what do nurses earn’, this blog explores nurse salaries in the UK, providing details on NHS pay bands and typical earnings. While starting salaries may not be the highest, experienced nurses can earn competitive salaries, with top earners reaching over £100,000 annually.
If you’re ready to start a fulfilling career, get on the path to becoming a nurse by clicking the link to download our FREE course brochure below and unlocking your potential to care for others.
