What Is A Typical Nurse Practitioner Salary?

Updated 23rd March 2026

• This article was originally published on 9th January 2023, and last updated 23rd March 2026
• All figures represent the 3.3% increase set for April 1st 2026

Nurse Practitioners, also known as Advanced Nurse Practitioners, are specialist nurses who undertake additional training in order offer advanced care such as making diagnoses.

Nurse Practitioners often solve the kinds of problems that GPs have traditionally. That’s because they have the necessary knowledge and training to make referrals and prescribe medicine.

In terms of where they work, Nurse Practitioners are found in hospitals, GP surgeries and all across community settings.

However, it’s a relatively new role, so its very nature is evolving as the number of people qualifying grows.

But when it comes to salary, what can Nurse Practitioners expect to earn?

This short guide examines the key questions related to Nurse Practitioner salaries, so is a great starting place for anyone thinking about taking this next step in their nursing career.

What Is The Starting Salary For A Nurse Practitioner?

The starting salary for a Nurse Practitioner is difficult to pinpoint.

Salaries sometimes start at Band 6 in the NHS, which is currently £39,959 a year for your first two years as a Band 6. However, these roles are often advertised at Band 7 or even higher – with Band 7 salaries starting at £49,387.

The starting salaries in the private sector are even harder to predict, but anecdotally they’re said to be higher – so probably north of £45,000 a year.

What Is The Average Salary For A Nurse Practitioner?

The average salary for a Nurse Practitioner is roughly somewhere between £40,000 a year and £50,000 a year.

However, with bandings varying for different roles, and the job itself being relatively new, this is merely a guide.

What Is The Highest Salary A Nursing Practitioner Can Earn?

It’s not uncommon for Nurse Practitioner roles to be listed at Band 8 level, which sees a starting salary of £57,528 for a Band 8a with 0-2 years' experience.

And with enough experience, it isn’t impossible for a senior Nurse Practitioner to earn over £60,000 a year and beyond (a Band 8a with 5 years experience or more earns £64,750).

How Can You Boost Your Earnings As A Nurse Practitioner?

To become a Nurse Practitioner you need to complete a Master’s Degree. So effectively, you’re already drastically improving your chances to become more specialised and earn a higher salary.

Beyond this, the key to higher earnings is simply experience.

Senior Nurse Practitioners are in demand and can command very high salaries. Once you’re qualified and have a few years’ experience under your belt, your ability to attract that higher pay will definitely increase.