NHS Nurse Pay Bands and Salaries (2025/26)
NHS nurses are paid according to the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system, which divides roles into different pay bands. Each band reflects the level of responsibility, experience and clinical expertise required for the job.
Below is an overview of the main NHS nurse pay bands in England for 2025/26, showing approximate annual and monthly salaries (before tax).
Band 2 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: Around £24,465
Monthly salary: Around £2,038
Band 2 nursing roles usually include healthcare assistants and clinical support workers. These staff provide essential support to registered nurses by helping patients with basic care such as washing, dressing and feeding.
Band 3 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: £24,937 – £26,598
Monthly salary: £2,078 – £2,216
Band 3 covers senior healthcare assistants or nursing assistants who take on more responsibility, such as carrying out observations, assisting with minor procedures and supporting clinical documentation.
Band 4 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: £27,485 – £30,162
Monthly salary: £2,290 – £2,513
Band 4 roles are often for nursing associates or assistant practitioners. These positions bridge the gap between healthcare assistants and registered nurses, involving more advanced patient care and clinical duties.
Band 5 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: £31,049 – £37,796
Monthly salary: £2,587 – £3,149
Band 5 is the starting point for a newly qualified registered nurse. At this level, nurses work in a range of settings such as hospitals, GP practices and community care. With experience, they can progress to senior or specialist nursing roles.
Band 6 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: £38,682 – £46,580
Monthly salary: £3,223 – £3,881
Band 6 typically includes senior nurses, specialist nurses (such as diabetes or oncology nurses) and team leaders. Nurses at this level have advanced clinical skills and often mentor junior staff.
Band 7 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: £47,810 – £54,710
Monthly salary: £3,984 – £4,559
Band 7 nurses are often ward managers, clinical nurse specialists, or advanced nurse practitioners. They play a key role in leadership, service delivery and patient care management.
Band 8 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: £55,690 – £88,682
Monthly salary: £4,640 – £7,390
Band 8 roles include matrons, consultant nurses and senior managers. These are highly experienced nurses who oversee teams, services or departments, and contribute to clinical policy and strategy.
Band 9 Nurse Salary
Annual salary: £109,179 – £125,637
Monthly salary: £9,098 – £10,469
Band 9 represents the most senior nursing roles, such as directors of nursing or chief nurses. These professionals provide strategic leadership across entire trusts or organisations.
FAQs
What’s a band?
A “band” is the NHS’s way of grouping jobs based on the skills, responsibilities and qualifications needed. Each band has its own salary range, and nurses move up bands as they gain experience and take on more complex roles.
Do NHS nurse bands apply in the private sector?
No. The banding system applies to NHS organisations only. Private hospitals and healthcare providers set their own pay structures, although they may reference NHS bands to describe equivalent levels of responsibility.
What band is a newly qualified nurse?
Newly qualified registered nurses start at Band 5. After gaining experience, they may progress to Band 6 or higher, depending on their role, specialism and leadership responsibilities.
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