In the UK, the salary and compensation for nurses, including Nursing Practitioners and Advanced Nurse Practitioners, are primarily structured through the Agenda for Change pay system. Introduced in 2004 by the National Health Service (NHS), this system standardises pay, terms, and conditions for most NHS staff (excluding doctors, dentists, and some senior managers). It ensures equal pay for work of equal value through a job evaluation system, alongside annual pay progression based on performance and experience.
As of the 2025 update, NHS pay bands have increased by 3.6% in England and Northern Ireland, affecting nurses across all levels. This guide details the latest salary scales, compensation structures, and benefits available to nursing professionals working in the UK.
Nurses within this band are usually newly qualified nurses or registered staff nurses. Band 5 nurses have a wide range of responsibilities, some of which include providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring health, keeping records, educating patients, and supporting junior staff. They work in settings such as hospital wards, community teams or mental health services. These nurses are expected to possess the fundamental skills and knowledge required for basic patient care.
Band 5 is divided into three steps, each split by level of experience. Newly qualified nurses will begin their journey at step one (0-2 yrs) and receive a full-time salary of £31,048. The next stage, step two (2 to 4 years), provides an increased salary of £33,488. Nurses who earn towards the top of the band, at step 3 (4-7+ yrs), typically receive approximately £37,796 per year. At this stage, nurses can apply for Band 6 jobs and qualifications.
Band 8 pay is slightly different from the others, as it is split into 4 sub-bands: 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d. Each sub-band also contains steps, which are separated into experience groups of 0-2, 2-5, and 5+ years. The salaries for each sub-band are detailed below.
8a step 1 (0-2) £55,689
step 2 (2-5) £58,486
step 3 (5+) £62,681
8b step 1 (0-2) £64,455
step 2 (2-5) £68,455
step 3 (5+) £74,897
8c step 1 (0-2) £76,964
step 2 (2-5) £81,651
step 3 (5+) £88,638
8d step 1 (0-2) £91,341
step 2 (2-5) £96,940
step 3 (5+) £105,337
Macmillan nurses specialize in the field of cancer care and treatment. They provide expert advice on managing symptoms, pain and side effects of treatment, as well as offering support to patients and families. Many work in palliative care, focusing on improving the quality of life of those with advanced cancer or life-limiting conditions, both in hospitals and in the community. Macmillan nurses are often paid a base salary of £36,000 - £39,000, with most earning around £37,000 a year.
A paediatric nurse specializes in providing care to infants, children, and adolescents. The average salary for a paediatric nurse in the UK is around £31,707, but depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and type of healthcare setting, this number can range anywhere from £25,654 to £39,026. This salary can also be adjusted according to the level of experience you have in the industry. While the starting salary for a junior paediatric nurse is £24,907, senior paediatric nurses can earn upwards of £50,000 if operating within a higher band. Paediatric nurses can work in a variety of settings, including primary schools, children’s hospitals, daycares, clinics, or Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs).
The starting salary for a mental health nurse in the UK is £31,000, but experienced nurses can earn up to £47,000. This profession is accessible via a university degree, degree apprenticeship, or specialist training courses. The NHS requires completion of an NMC-approved mental health nursing degree for qualification. Mental health nurses can find employment in various settings, including hospitals, community-based services, residential facilities, prisons, schools and the armed forces.
The average salary for a newly qualified nurse (Registered Nurse or RN) in the UK sits at around £31,000 to £35,000 per year, typically starting at Band 5 on the NHS pay scale. As nurses gain experience, develop specific skills, or move into more senior roles, their salary can rise to between £37,000 and £42,000, especially when progressing into Band 6 or Band 7 positions. On an hourly basis, the average pay for an RN is approximately £21.94/hr, but this can vary depending on location, employer, and level of experience. Nurses also have opportunities to increase their earnings through overtime, shift enhancements for evenings and weekends, on-call duties, and agency work, which generally pays higher hourly rates.
A district nurse is a qualified, registered nurse who will typically visit patients in their homes, residential care facilities or community clinics. Many district nurses specialize in supporting patients who are housebound, have chronic conditions, or are recovering from surgery or illness. Their primary focuses include wound care, administering medication, palliative (end-of-life) care, coordination with social workers, health education and many others. District nurses typically fall in Band 6 on the NHS pay scale, and have an average salary of £35,392 to £42,618 per annum. These nurses play a vital role in preventing hospital admissions by managing care within the community, especially for the elderly, disabled, and those with long-term conditions.
The NHS pension scheme is one of the major benefits of working as a nurse in the NHS. It is a secure, defined benefit pension that’s based on a Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) model. As a nurse, you are automatically enrolled in the scheme, with contributions taken from your pay each month, plus the NHS adds its own contributions too. The pension includes a guaranteed income when you retire, the option of a tax-free lump sum, and financial support for your loved ones if something happens to you. Many nurses are advised to check their pension statements regularly and get advice if they’re unsure about things like retirement age or how much they’ll receive. Overall, the NHS pension is known for being one of the best pensions for nurses in the UK, giving peace of mind for life after work.
A social worker is a qualified professional who supports vulnerable individuals, families, and communities through difficult life situations. Social workers typically work with children, adults with disabilities, older people, or those with mental health needs, often in schools, hospitals, or within the community. Their work includes safeguarding children, helping families in crisis, supporting people with addiction, coordinating care, and advocating for social justice. To become a social worker in the UK, you must complete an approved degree in social work—either a three-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate degree if you already hold a degree in another subject. After qualifying, social workers must register with Social Work England to practice. Salaries usually start between £28,000 and £35,000 per year, rising to £36,000 to £45,000 with experience, and exceeding £50,000 in senior or specialist roles. Social workers play a crucial role in protecting and empowering people while ensuring they receive the support and services they need.
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