Salary intelligence
Registered Nurse Salary Guide UK 2026
Registered nurse pay in the UK is anchored by the NHS Agenda for Change bands, with agency and specialist premiums on top. This guide gives indicative 2026 permanent ranges (Band 5–6 blended) by region.
Registered Nurse salary by region (2026)
| Region | Typical base salary |
|---|---|
| London | £31,000 – £44,000 |
| South East | £30,000 – £41,000 |
| Midlands | £28,000 – £38,000 |
| North West | £28,000 – £38,000 |
| Yorkshire | £28,000 – £37,000 |
| Scotland | £29,000 – £39,000 |
Market view. Band progression (5→6→7) is the main lever, with specialism (ICU, theatre, A&E) and London weighting adding further. Agency/locum nursing pays more in cash terms but sits under NHS framework rate caps; every placement requires live NMC registration, DBS, occupational-health clearance and up-to-date mandatory training, exactly what the Verifera mark verifies.
Frequently asked questions
What does a registered nurse earn in the UK?
Indicatively £28,000–£44,000 for Band 5–6 permanent roles, higher with specialism, London weighting or agency work.
Do agency nurses earn more?
Usually more in cash terms, though NHS framework rate caps apply; you also carry the compliance burden (NMC, DBS, occ-health, training) that Verifera keeps continuously verified.
What lifts a nurse's pay the most?
Band progression, a high-demand specialty (ICU/theatre/A&E), and region.