Nursing is one of the most important and most debated professions in the UK when it comes to pay. NHS nurses are paid according to the Agenda for Change pay framework, which sets out clear bands and pay points. Here is exactly what nurses earn at each level.
NHS nurse salary by pay band (2025/26)
Most nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are paid on the Agenda for Change scale. Scotland has a separate but similar system. The bands below reflect the 2025/26 pay award.
| Band | Role examples | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | Newly qualified nurse (NQN) | £29,970 – £36,483 |
| Band 6 | Senior nurse, specialist nurse | £37,338 – £44,962 |
| Band 7 | Advanced nurse practitioner, ward manager | £46,148 – £52,809 |
| Band 8a | Consultant nurse, modern matron | £53,755 – £60,504 |
| Band 8b | Senior consultant nurse | £62,215 – £72,293 |
| Band 8c | Deputy director of nursing | £74,290 – £85,601 |
| Band 9 | Director of nursing | £91,787 – £104,490 |
Important: NHS nurses in London receive a High Cost Area Supplement on top of their base salary — between 5% and 20% depending on the specific London zone. A Band 5 nurse in inner London can therefore earn significantly more than the figures above.
Private sector nursing salaries
Private hospitals, care homes, and agency nursing typically pay differently from the NHS. Agency nursing in particular can pay considerably more per hour but without the job security, pension, or career progression structure of NHS employment.
| Setting | Typical salary range |
|---|---|
| Private hospital (equivalent Band 5) | £30,000 – £38,000 |
| Care home nursing | £28,000 – £36,000 |
| Agency nursing (annualised) | £35,000 – £55,000 |
| Occupational health nursing | £38,000 – £52,000 |
| School nursing | £34,000 – £44,000 |
How does nurse pay compare to the UK median?
A newly qualified Band 5 nurse earns around £30,000 to £36,000. The UK median full-time salary is around £39,900. This means newly qualified nurses typically earn below the national median, despite carrying significant professional responsibility and requiring three years of degree-level training.
By Band 6 and above, nursing salaries move above the national median for most age groups and regions. Senior nurses at Band 7 and above are well paid relative to the UK workforce as a whole, though the journey to that level requires years of experience and often further qualifications.
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