Registration & Pathways
UK Nurse Salaries Explained: From Band 5 to Band 9 (2025)
Dec
The salary structure for nurses in the United Kingdom is set by the National Health Service (NHS), the country’s public healthcare system.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of annual nurse salaries in the UK, broken down by role and seniority. This guide is intended for international nurses who are planning to work in the UK or exploring overseas career options.
All figures are based on official NHS primary sources:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202425
UK Nurse Salaries in 2025
In the UK, nurse salaries vary depending on role and responsibility. Positions are categorized into Bands 5 to 9 under the NHS pay scale system.
- Band 5: Junior Nurse
- Band 6: Senior Nurse, Specialist Nurse, Research Nurse
- Band 7: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Band 8a–8d: Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Matron
- Band 9: Nurse Consultant
Band 5 generally refers to newly qualified registered nurses. International nurses who start working in the UK typically begin at Band 5.
Band 6 is comparable to a senior clinical role with additional responsibilities, while Band 7 often involves advanced practice or leadership within a department.
Band 8 is divided into four sub-levels (8a–8d). These are senior managerial roles involving responsibility for teams, services, or departments. In addition to extensive clinical experience, strong leadership and management skills are required.
At the top of the scale is Band 9, the most senior nursing position within a hospital, equivalent to a Director of Nursing.
Because salaries differ significantly by band, nurses considering work in the UK are encouraged to think about long-term career progression when planning their lifestyle and finances.
Let’s look at the numbers in more detail.
Nationwide Average Salaries in the UK
Below are the average NHS nurse salaries across the UK.
| Band | Base Salary (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Band 5 | £32,398 – £36,483 |
| Band 6 | £37,303 – £44,962 |
| Band 7 | £46,148 – £52,809 |
| Band 8a | £53,755 – £60,504 |
| Band 8b | £62,215 – £72,293 |
| Band 8c | £74,290 – £85,601 |
| Band 8d | £88,168 – £101,677 |
| Band 9 | £105,385 – £121,271 |
A newly qualified Band 5 nurse starts at £32,398. Salaries increase annually within the band for up to five years, reaching £36,483 at the top of Band 5.
To earn beyond this level, nurses must apply for and secure a position in a higher band. Band progression does not occur automatically.
In other words, while pay increases with experience within Band 5, salary growth plateaus after five years, and promotion to Band 6 requires a successful application for a higher-level role.
Once promoted to Band 6, salaries rise significantly to £37,303–£44,962.
Among international nurses observed in clinical settings, the highest band commonly reached is Band 8c, with salaries ranging from £74,290 to £85,601.
Average Salaries in London
Next, let’s examine average nurse salaries in London, where additional location-based pay applies.
| Band | Base Salary (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Band 5 | £35,964 – £43,780 |
| Band 6 | £44,806 – £53,134 |
| Band 7 | £54,320 – £60,981 |
| Band 8a | £61,927 – £68,676 |
| Band 8b | £70,387 – £80,465 |
| Band 8c | £82,462 – £93,773 |
| Band 8d | £96,340 – £109,849 |
| Band 9 | £113,557 – £129,443 |
Salaries in London are noticeably higher than the national average.
A Band 5 nurse in London starts at £35,964 and can earn up to £43,780 by the fifth year.
While these figures are higher than in other regions, it’s important to consider the cost of living in London, which is significantly higher than in most parts of the UK.
Although advancement to higher bands is possible, nurses should be aware that promotion depends on eligibility, qualifications, and job availability. Without an open position, progression exams or interviews may not be accessible.
Summary
This article has outlined UK nurse salaries by role and NHS band.
Starting salaries begin at £32,398, while the highest-level Nurse Consultant (Band 9) can earn up to £121,271, representing nearly a fourfold difference.
In addition to base pay, nurses receive night shift and weekend allowances, but it’s important to note that bonuses are not part of the UK system.
For reference, the overall average salary for registered nurses across the UK—regardless of region or role—is £34,126.
When factoring in the cost of living, nurse salaries in the UK are not necessarily generous, and among major English-speaking countries, they remain on the lower end of the pay scale.
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