Prison Nurse Salary Guide

Updated 12th March 2026

• This article was originally published on 3rd September 2023, and last updated 12th March 2026
• All figures represent the 3.3% increase set for April 1st 2026

This short guide goes over the salary you can expect as a Prison Nurse. This unique role pays differently based on what provider, NHS or private, you are with, and the point you are at in your career progression.

A Prison Nurse is a qualified nurse that carries out nurse-led services within a prison.

The duties are similar to those carried out by GP Nurses, although Prison Nurses tend to more frequently work with people dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues.

It’s a unique role within the profession, and although challenging, one that can be incredibly rewarding for the right people. It also offers good opportunities for progression.

But what salary can you expect within this role, at different points in your career?

This short guide aims to answer any and every question you might have in regard to the pay packets of prison nurses.

Quote: The average, experienced Prison Nurse is likely to earn someone between £39,000 and £43,000 a year.

What Is The Starting Salary For A Prison Nurse?

Prison Nurse salaries typically start at Band 5 – the same NHS pay banding as any entry level Nurse.

Currently, a Band 5 salary pays £32,073 a year with up to 2 years experience. This salary rises with experience to £39,043 for a Band 5 with over 4 years of experience.

However, it’s not uncommon for salaries to start at Band 6, perhaps when a prison is looking for a particular level of experience. In this banding pay starts at £39,959 a year.

You can find out exactly how NHS bandings work and what you could earn on each by using our handy NHS pay calculator.

Roles are also offered by private providers, where the starting salary could be different. But normally a similar pay rate is adopted.

What Is The Average Salary For A Prison Nurse?

An average salary is difficult to pinpoint, given that this is quite a niche role split between the private and public sector.

But it’s fair to say that the average, experienced Prison Nurse is likely to earn someone between £39,000 and £43,000 a year.

What Is The Most A Prison Nurse Could Earn?

Senior level Prison Nurses can sometimes be paid a Band 7 salary.

This salary starts at £49,387 – and with enough experience, rises to £56,515 with over 5 years' experience.

How Can You Grow Your Career And Earn More Money As A Prison Nurse?

Prison Nurses have a range of options to expand their career.

Through experience you can rise through the ranks within an existing organisation. You may also choose to become more specialised, perhaps focusing exclusively on mental health.

You also have the option to move into management, education or even research.

And because the NHS commissions healthcare services within lots of different areas of the criminal justice system, your skills and experience can take you into lots of different roles and niches.

All of this will increase your earning potential.

Everything you learn and experience will ultimately support your employability within other areas of health services, too.