Global Nurse Guide Team gathered information for UK Nurses & International Recruits and written on the research based as on January 2026.
Published Date: January 2026
1. The Numbers Are In
Finally, the numbers are confirmed. After months of negotiation and speculation, the 3.6% Pay Award has been officially implemented for Agenda for Change staff in England for the 2025/2026 financial year.
While the rise falls short of the double-digit restoration many unions campaigned for, it marks a significant psychological milestone: the starting salary for a newly qualified nurse has pushed over £31,000 for the first time in NHS history.
Whether you are a final-year student, an overseas nurse planning your move to the UK, or a current staff nurse checking your payslip, the big question remains: “What does this actually look like in my bank account?”
Below, we break down the gross salaries and, crucially, the estimated net monthly pay after the “hidden” deductions of Tax, National Insurance, and Pension.
2. The “Take-Home” Tables
Disclaimer: The “Estimated Net Monthly” figures below are based on a standard 1257L Tax Code, Employee National Insurance (8%), and the applicable NHS Pension Tier (2025/26 rates). Does not include student loan repayments or unsocial hours enhancements.
🟦 Band 5: The Staff Nurse
For payments to newly qualified nurses and general staff nurses.
| Experience Level | Gross Annual | Gross Monthly | Estimated Net Monthly 💸 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0-2 Years) | £31,049 | £2,587 | ~£2,050 |
| Intermediate (2-4 Years) | £33,487 | £2,790 | ~£2,117 |
| Top (4+ Years) | £37,796 | £3,149 | ~£2,314 |
Analysis: A newly qualified nurse will now clear approximately £2,000 a month before any night shift or weekend enhancements are added.
🟪 Band 6: The Senior/Specialist
For Senior Nurses, Deputy Sisters/Charge Nurses, and Specialists.
| Experience Level | Gross Annual | Gross Monthly | Estimated Net Monthly 💸 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0-2 Years) | £38,682 | £3,223 | ~£2,480 |
| Intermediate (2-5 Years) | £40,823 | £3,401 | ~£2,476 |
| Top (5+ Years) | £46,580 | £3,881 | ~£2,784 |
Note on Band 6 Intermediate: You may notice the “Net” pay jump is smaller than expected between Entry and Intermediate. This is often due to crossing a Pension Tier threshold (moving from ~8.3% to ~9.8% contribution), which eats into the gross pay rise.
3. London Weighting (The Bonus)
If you work within the M25 ring road, the standard Agenda for Change rates above are supplemented by the High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). This is pensionable and added to your basic pay.
🏙️ Inner London
- The Uplift: 20% of basic salary.
- The Rules: Minimum payment £5,414; Maximum payment £8,172.
Real-World Example: A newly qualified Band 5 nurse working in Central London (Inner) will not start on £31,049.
- Base Pay: £31,049
- Uplift: £5,414 (Minimum applies)
- Total Gross: £36,463
🏘️ Outer London
- The Uplift: 15% of basic salary.
- The Rules: Minimum payment £4,551; Maximum payment £5,735.
4. The “Hidden” Deductions (The Reality Check)
Why is there such a gap between “Gross” and “Net”? Welcome to the UK tax system.
1. NHS Pension (The Big One) 🏥
The NHS pension is one of the best in the country, but it is expensive. Contributions are tiered based on your actual annual pensionable pay.
- Tier 3 (Earnings £27,798 – £33,868): You contribute 8.3%.
- Tier 4 (Earnings £33,869 – £50,845): You contribute 9.8%.
- Note: Your employer contributes an additional ~23.7%, which you don’t see on your payslip but adds huge value to your future pot.
2. National Insurance (NI) 🛡️
This pays for state benefits and the NHS.
- Rate: You pay 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 per year.
3. Student Loans 🎓
If you trained in the UK, these deductions kick in once you earn over the threshold (approx. £27,295 for Plan 2).
- Impact: A Band 5 nurse (Entry) with a Plan 2 loan will see an additional ~£28 deducted per month.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is payday?
A: For most NHS Trusts, payday is the 28th of every month. If the 28th falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday, you are paid on the Friday before.
Q: Does this apply to Agency Nurses?
A: No. These rates apply to “Substantive” (permanent/contracted) NHS staff only. Agency rates are set by individual agencies and frameworks, though they often track NHS rises loosely.
Q: I work nights and weekends. Is that included?
A: No. The figures above are your Basic Pay only. “Unsocial Hours” payments (e.g., +30% for nights/Saturdays, +60% for Sundays/Bank Holidays) are calculated on top of these figures.
Disclaimer: Financial figures are for guidance only. Tax codes and pension tiers can vary by individual circumstances. Always check your official ESR payslip.
