Occupational Health Nurse Salary in the UK

Updated 12th March 2026

• This article was originally published on 22nd May 2023, and last updated 12th March 2026
• All figures represent the 3.3% increase set for April 1st 2026

This article looks at the starting, average, and highest salaries you can earn as an Occupational Health Nurse.

Occupational Health Nurses are specialists in providing care within workplaces. They are qualified Registered Nurses who often acquire additional qualifications and experience in community public health nursing.

As an Occupational Health Nurse you have direct contact with employees at organisations and are often approaches with problems or questions. Those questions can be associated with physical or mental health challenges both at work and out of work.

You can be employed by public sector or private sector organisations.

But what sort of salary can you expect, whether you’re new to the job or highly experienced? This short guide answers the key pay-related questions.

What Is The Starting Salary For An Occupational Health Nurse?

The starting salary for an Occupational Health Nurse is upwards of £32,000 a year, according to the best available figures. But it’s very difficult to pinpoint.

That’s because so many occupational health roles are within the private sector, where salaries are unregulated and can vary.

Furthermore, although the only strict requirement of an entry level occupational nursing role is to be a Registered Nurse, employers typically want either some relevant experience or training.

That means you’re likely to receive a higher starting salary than a Band 5 entry level nurse in the NHS, which is currently £32,073 a year. But technically, a Band 5 starting salary is possible.

What Is The Average Salary For An Occupational Health Nurse?

The average salary for an Occupational Health Nurse in the UK is approximately between £37,000 and £42,000 a year, according to the best available figures.

However, the salary range for this role is wide.

The NHS bandings are a guide, if you bear in mind that you are likely to be paid more in the private sector (albeit without the same benefits and pension contribution):

Visit our Nursing Pay Guide for full pay bandings in the NHS.

What Is The Highest Salary An Occupational Health Nurse Can Earn?

It’s not uncommon for highly experienced Occupational Nurses to earn close to, or beyond, £50,000 a year.

At this level, it’s likely the role will be highly specialised. You may even be called a Senior Occupational Health Nurse or a Senior Occupational Health Advisor.

At this level your responsibilities will expand too, and you may well manage other occupational health workers.

How Can You Boost Your Earnings As An Occupational Health Nurse?

The way to increase your earnings in this role is to develop your skills and experience.

This will begin with a training programme in specialist community public health nursing (SCPHN). For some roles this is a minimum requirement, but in terms of development it’s essential.

Thereafter, you can decide on different development routes. You can climb the ladder within occupational nursing, applying for more senior roles or moving into management.

But increased salaries may also be on offer by moving into education or research.

Eventually, you may also be able to apply for consultant roles, which are typically the highest paid nursing roles within the profession.