The salary for nurses in the UK can vary based on several factors, including the nurse’s experience, location, level of qualification, and the specific healthcare setting they work in. As of my last update in September 2021, here is a general overview of the salary ranges for nurses in the UK:
1. Registered Nurses (RNs):
Newly qualified nurses (Band 5): The starting salary for newly qualified nurses typically falls within the range of £24,907 to £30,615 per year.
Experienced nurses (Band 5+): With experience, nurses can progress through the pay bands, earning salaries up to around £40,000 or more per year.
2. Specialist Nurses (Band 6 and above):
Specialist nurses, such as those in roles like senior staff nurse, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist, are typically in higher pay bands. Salaries can range from around £31,365 to £44,503 or more per year.
3. Nurse Managers (Band 7 and above):
Nurse managers, including ward managers, matrons, and nurse consultants, are in higher pay bands. Salaries can range from approximately £38,890 to £60,000 or more per year.
It’s important to note that salaries may be higher in London and other areas with a higher cost of living. Additionally, the salary structure for NHS nurses is based on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales, which are subject to periodic revisions and negotiations.
Band
Minimum years of experience
Pay
1
0-1+
£22,383
2
0-1
£22,383
1-2
£22,383
2-3
£22,383
3-4
£22,383
4-5
£22,383
5-6
£22,383
6+
£22,383
3
0-1
£22,816
1-2
£22,816
2-3
£24,336
3-4
£24,336
4-5
£24,336
5-6
£24,336
6+
£24,336
4
0-1
£25,147
1-2
£25,147
2-3
£25,147
3-4
£27,596
4-5
£27,596
5-6
£27,596
6+
£27,596
5
0-1
£28,407
1-2
£28,407
2-3
£30,639
3-4
£30,639
4-5
£34,581
5-6
£34,581
6-7
£34,581
7+
£34,581
6
0-1
£35,392
1-2
£35,392
2-3
£37,350
3-4
£37,350
4-5
£37,350
5-6
£42,618
6-7
£42,618
7-8
£42,618
8+
£42,618
7
0-1
£43,742
1-2
£43,742
2-3
£45,996
3-4
£45,996
4-5
£45,996
5-6
£50,056
6-7
£50,056
7-8
£50,056
8+
£50,056
8a
0-1
£50,952
1-2
£50,952
2-3
£50,952
3-4
£50,952
4-5
£50,952
5+
£57,349
8b
0-1
£58,972
1-2
£58,972
2-3
£58,972
3-4
£58,972
4-5
£58,972
5+
£68,525
8c
0-1
£70,417
1-2
£70,417
2-3
£70,417
3-4
£70,417
4-5
£70,417
5+
£81,138
8d
0-1
£83,571
1-2
£83,571
2-3
£83,571
3-4
£83,571
4-5
£83,571
5+
£96,376
9
0-1
£99,891
1-2
£99,891
2-3
£99,891
3-4
£99,891
4-5
£99,891
5+
£114,949
Private healthcare settings and other employers may offer different salary packages, so it’s essential to research specific employers and job vacancies to get a more accurate idea of the salary being offered.
Please keep in mind that salary information can change over time, so it is recommended check the latest NHS pay scales and job listings for the most up-to-date information on nursing salaries in the UK.