A Nurse’s Guide To NHS Pay Bands In 2026

If you’ve ever wondered how the NHS pay bands compare with one another, here is a brief guide to how your responsibilities will change, along with your pay.

NHS pay for Nurses is structured around different bandings

Newly qualified, NMC registered nurses start at Band 5, and the most qualified and experienced nursing consultants and specialists can climb all the way to the uppermost pay band, which is band 9.

Within each banding, different levels of NHS pay are on offer according to experience.

And movement between bandings can come with enough experience and further study, allowing nurses to apply for more senior roles.

Here’s a complete guide to the pay on offer within each banding, and the typical job titles found within each banding.

Band 5 salaries and roles

Band 5 nursing roles apply to newly qualified Nurses.

The current starting salary for a Band 5 Nurse is £31,048.

With 2-4 years’ experience, a Band 5 Nurse will earn £33,488, and the very top of this banding pays £37,796.

Band 6 salaries and roles

Band 6 Nursing roles typically include Senior Nurses, Deputy Ward Managers, Health Visitors and various specialist Nurses.

Band 6 roles start at £38,638 and rise to £46,581 for nurses with more than 5 years of experience.

It’s important to note that all roles at Band 6 and above will require increasingly specialised skills, qualifications and experience.

Band 7 salaries and roles

Band 7 nursing roles include Ward Managers, Emergency Nurse Practitioners and clinical specialists.

Band 7 roles start at £47,809 and rise to £54,710 for anyone with more than 5 years of experience.

At this level, it’s likely that highly specialised knowledge will be essential for securing a position – which will probably come from a Master’s degree.

Experience is vital too, as Band 7 roles tend to come with a great deal of responsibility.

Bands 8 and 9

At the very top of NHS nursing banding there are only a few types of roles that qualify.

Band 8 and 9 roles normally only apply to Modern Matrons, Chief Nurses and Consultants.

Band 8a roles start at £55,689 but at Band 8d, can rise to £105,337 a year.

Meanwhile, Band 9 roles start at £109,179 and rise to more than £125,637 a year with 5 years or more experience.

At this level, your role is increasingly consultative.

You’re an expert in your field, and you help to educate others.

If you’re looking to start a career as a Nurse or move into a new role in a higher banding, you can work out exactly what you’ll earn in the NHS (and take home after tax and pension deductions) using our handy NHS pay calculator.