- 05 January 2021
- 3 min read
A Nurse’s Guide To NHS Pay Bands In 2021
A brief guide to the pay on offer in each banding according to the most recent updatesIf 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.
Topics covered in this article
NHS pay for Nurses is structured around different bandings
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 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 brief 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 £24,907.
With 2-4 years’ experience, a Band 5 Nurse will earn £26,970, and the very top of this banding pays £30,615.
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 £31,365, and rise to £37,890 for Nurses with more than 7 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 £38,890 and rise to £44,503 for anyone with more than 7 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 8 roles start at £45,753, but at Band 8D, can rise to £87,754 a year.
Meanwhile, Band 9 roles start at £91,004, and rise to more than £100,000 a year.
At this level, your role is increasingly consultative.
You’re an expert in your field, and you help to educate others.
What will you earn?
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 using our handy pay calculator.
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About the author
Co-Founder
I studied English before moving into publishing in the mid 90s. I co-founded this and our other three sites in 2008. I wanted to provide a platform that gives a voice to those working in health and social care. I'm fascinated, generally, by the career choices we all make. But I'm especially interested in the stories told by those who choose to spend their life supporting others. They are mostly positive and life-affirming stories, despite the considerable challenges and burdens faced.
Want to get involved in the discussion
Sign In JoinJohn C
John C
6 months agoI work as a nurse Matt and you're right a lot of people do it for the love and not ... read more
I work as a nurse Matt and you're right a lot of people do it for the love and not the money. Other caring professionals aren't so soft, particularly doctors who I'm sure are just as caring but very well paid....with negotiations done without fuss or controversy! What do you think? Do we need to toughen up more when negotiating and not be held to ransom by the government over strike action.
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From my experience of talking to nurses John, I don't think they can become something else - not tougher etc. Otherwise they will lose what it is that makes them who they are. If anything has been lea... read more
From my experience of talking to nurses John, I don't think they can become something else - not tougher etc. Otherwise they will lose what it is that makes them who they are. If anything has been learned through the last 4 months of a pandemic is how valued nurses are(at least emotionally)by the nation.
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Louise Tulloch
Louise Tulloch
7 months agoI have worked as a GPN since 1987 I am disappointed that we still have to approach our Gp employers ... read more
I have worked as a GPN since 1987 I am disappointed that we still have to approach our Gp employers every year to discuss pay which is uncomfortable. When will this change ? Make GPN pay a part of QOF .Matt your right we do the job because we love it but pay is important. How can we encourage new nurses into this amazing area of work when there is no pay structure. We have only received a pension since GPS were made to offer it let’s get agreement that we should also get Agenda for change pay at least before I retire.
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