Analysis

NHS pay 2025-26: the rates for nursing staff across the UK

Infographic story detailing the pay by band for NHS nursing staff on Agenda for Change contracts in each of the UK countries, after recent pay announcements for 2025-26. We compare pay for NHS nursing staff on bands 4-9, and explain the 2025-26 pay rises due in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, based on awards made by government under the Pay Review Body process, as well as the 2025-27 deal agreed in Scotland via direct negotiation between government and unions.

Stephanie Heughan - @RCNi_Steph
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Nurse pay across UK: illustration showing the countries of the UK with different coloured columns representing pay band

A band-by-band breakdown of pay for NHS nursing staff, taking into account 2025-26 government pay award announcements. Find out what staff are paid across the UK

Nurse pay across UK: illustration showing the countries of the UK with different coloured columns representing pay band
Picture: iStock

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Words: Stephanie Heughan, head of news and features content
Graphics: Kelly Cooke-Mwangeka, lead designer

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