NHS Nurse Salary: Agenda for Change Pay Bands
What would you actually earn as a nurse in the NHS? Pay follows the national Agenda for Change framework. Here are the bands most relevant to internationally-educated nurses, with indicative 2024/25 figures for England, London weighting, and how progression works β all with sources.
A newly registered nurse in England starts on Agenda for Change Band 5 β indicatively Β£29,970 to Β£36,483 a year for 2024/25. Pay rises with experience and responsibility through Band 6, Band 7 and beyond, and London roles add a High Cost Area Supplement on top. Source: NHS Agenda for Change pay scales (England), 2024/25, NHS Employers (nhsemployers.org). Indicative full-time figures, revised annually β confirm the current scale. As of 2026-07.
Registered-nurse pay bands (England, 2024/25)
These are the bands most nurses progress through once registered. Figures are indicative full-time annual salaries and move up in points within each band.
| Band | Typical nursing role | Indicative annual pay (England) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | Newly registered nurse | Β£29,970 β Β£36,483 | The entry band for most nurses once they hold an NMC PIN. Internationally-educated nurses typically start here after registration. |
| Band 6 | Senior / specialist nurse, deputy ward manager | Β£37,338 β Β£44,962 | A common progression after a couple of years, or on entry into a specialist area. |
| Band 7 | Advanced nurse practitioner, ward / department manager | Β£46,148 β Β£52,809 | Leadership, advanced clinical practice or managing a ward or team. |
| Band 8a | Matron, nurse consultant, senior nurse manager | Β£53,755 β Β£60,504 | Senior clinical leadership and service management roles. |
Source: NHS Agenda for Change pay scales (England), 2024/25, published by NHS Employers (nhsemployers.org). Indicative β the scale is negotiated and updated each year.
Support-role bands before registration
Some internationally-educated nurses work in a support role while completing the OSCE, then move to a Band 5 nursing post once they hold their NMC PIN.
| Band | Typical nursing role | Indicative annual pay (England) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 3 | Healthcare / nursing support worker | Β£24,071 β Β£25,674 | Some nurses work in a support role while preparing for the OSCE, then move to Band 5 on registration. |
| Band 4 | Nursing associate / senior support worker | Β£26,530 β Β£29,114 | A common pre-registration or OSCE-preparation band before a Band 5 nursing post. |
Source: NHS Agenda for Change pay scales (England), 2024/25, NHS Employers (nhsemployers.org). Indicative full-time figures.
London weighting (High Cost Area Supplement)
Roles in and around London attract an extra payment on top of the national scale.
Inner London
β 20%
Subject to a minimum and maximum cash amount.
Outer London
β 15%
Subject to a minimum and maximum cash amount.
Fringe
β 5%
Subject to a minimum and maximum cash amount.
High Cost Area Supplement is added to basic Agenda for Change pay. The exact percentages and the minimum/maximum caps are set nationally and published by NHS Employers (nhsemployers.org). Treat these as indicative and confirm the current values.
Beyond basic pay
Your headline band is not the whole picture.
- Enhanced pay for nights, weekends and bank holidays is added under Agenda for Change unsocial-hours rules.
- NHS Pension Scheme membership is a significant part of the total reward package.
- Annual leave starts at a generous allowance and increases with NHS service.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a newly registered nurse earn in the NHS?+
A newly registered nurse in England normally starts on Agenda for Change Band 5. For 2024/25 the Band 5 range is indicatively Β£29,970 to Β£36,483 per year for full-time work, rising with experience through the band. Pay is set nationally each year and differs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and London roles add a High Cost Area Supplement.
What band do internationally-educated nurses start on?+
Once you hold your NMC PIN you are normally appointed to a Band 5 nursing post, the same as any newly registered nurse. Some nurses work in a Band 3 or Band 4 support role while they complete their OSCE, then move to Band 5 on registration. Your band reflects the role you are doing, not where you trained.
What is London weighting for NHS nurses?+
The NHS adds a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) to basic pay for roles in and around London: broadly around 20% in Inner London, 15% in Outer London and 5% in the Fringe, each subject to a minimum and maximum cash amount. It is paid on top of your Agenda for Change salary. The exact percentages and caps are published by NHS Employers.
How does nurse pay progress?+
Within a band, you move up pay points with experience. To increase your band you take on more responsibility β for example moving from a Band 5 staff nurse to a Band 6 senior or specialist nurse, a Band 7 advanced practitioner or ward manager, and beyond. Progression between bands depends on the role you are appointed to, not automatic time served.
Do these figures apply across the whole UK?+
No. The figures on this page are for England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own Agenda for Change pay scales, which are broadly similar in structure but differ in the exact amounts. Always check the scale for the nation where you will work.
More UK nurse-registration guides
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Important β please read
This is general information to help internationally-educated nurses understand the UK registration pathway. It is not recruitment, immigration or legal advice. Gera is not a recruitment agency: we do not place nurses into NHS jobs, do not match candidates to specific vacancies, and never charge a nurse a placement fee. You apply on your own account, directly to NHS trusts and other licensed employers. Requirements, fees and pay scales change β always confirm the current position with the NMC (nmc.org.uk), UK Visas and Immigration (gov.uk) and NHS Employers (nhsemployers.org).