Nurse Take-Home Pay (UK)
See what an NHS nurse keeps after tax and the NHS Pension in 2026/27. Band 5 is where most newly qualified nurses start; Band 6 covers senior and specialist roles. Model your exact band in our calculator.
Nurse Salary Bands & Take-Home (England, no London)
Approximate 2026/27 figures, Step 1, after tax and a typical NHS Pension contribution. Confirm with your employer's payslip.
| Band | Base (Step 1) | Take-home / month |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5 (NQN) | ≈ £32,073 | ≈ £2,000 |
| Band 6 (Senior) | ≈ £37,338 | ≈ £2,300 |
| Band 7 (Ward Mgr) | ≈ £46,148 | ≈ £2,800 |
Nurse Pay Tips
- London weighting: 5%–20% extra on pensionable pay — see our Band 5 London page.
- Unsocial hours: night and weekend enhancements boost gross pay.
- Student loan: most nurses are on Plan 5 — repayments apply above £25,000.
- Full AfC scale: use the NHS Salary Calculator for Bands 2–9.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Band 5 nurse take home?
A Band 5 nurse (Step 1, ~£32,073 in 2026/27 outside London) takes home roughly £1,900–£2,100 a month after tax and the NHS Pension, depending on pension contributions and any London weighting.
How does the NHS Pension affect take-home?
The NHS Pension is a Net Pay arrangement, so contributions are deducted before tax — lowering your Income Tax and NI. Contribution rates are tiered by pensionable pay.
Do London nurses earn more?
Yes. London weighting adds 5%–20% to pensionable pay depending on the zone (Fringe, Outer, Inner), lifting both gross and take-home. See our Band 5 London page for the breakdown.