How much do nurses get paid in the UK?

In the UK, nurses' salaries are determined by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale, which categorizes nursing roles into different bands based on experience and responsibilities. For the period of 2025 to 2026, newly qualified nurses (Band 5) can expect a starting salary of approximately £38,638, which remains the same for those with one to two years of experience. As nurses gain more experience, their pay increases; for instance, those with two to three years of experience can earn around £40,823. This structured pay scale ensures that nurses are compensated fairly for their expertise and the critical role they play in the healthcare system. Additionally, there are opportunities for career advancement, which can lead to higher pay bands and increased salaries, reflecting the growing responsibilities and skills acquired over time.