NHS HIV Specialist Nurse salary, 2026/27
HIV specialist nurses manage adults living with HIV in outpatient settings, supporting antiretroviral therapy adherence, comorbidity management and sexual health screening. The role spans direct clinical care and broader public health work. Most HIV specialist nurses sit at Band 7, with some Band 6 posts.
- Range (England)
- £39,959 to £56,515
- Typical bands
- Band 6, Band 7
- Hourly entry
- £20.44
- Hourly top
- £28.90
HIV Specialist Nurse pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band HIV Specialist Nurses are typically paid on. Most HIV Specialist Nurses move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
HIV Specialist Nurse pay in Scotland
Scottish NHS staff are paid on a separate pay scale, negotiated by the Scottish Government rather than the UK Pay Review Body. Scotland consistently pays more than England at every band. The figures below are the Scottish equivalents for the same bands.
Common questions
- What pay band is a HIV Specialist Nurse on?
- NHS HIV Specialist Nurses sit at Band 6 or Band 7 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified HIV Specialist Nurses usually start on the lowest banding shown, with progression to the higher bands as they take on more senior or specialist work.
- How much does an NHS HIV Specialist Nurse earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS HIV Specialist Nurse earns between £39,959 and £56,515 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £20.44 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £28.90 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish HIV Specialist Nurses earn between £43,231 and £61,466 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find HIV Specialist Nurse jobs in the NHS?
- NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) lists all current vacancies across the four UK nations. Filter by 'Pay Band' to focus on roles at the band you're interested in. HSC Recruit covers Northern Ireland (jobs.hscni.net) and NHS Scotland Jobs covers Scotland (jobs.scot.nhs.uk). Most Trusts also list vacancies on their own websites alongside the national portal.
- Does HIV Specialist Nurse get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. HIV Specialist Nurses working at Inner London Trusts get 20% on top of basic pay (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746 for 2026/27). Outer London is 15%, Fringe is 5%. Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish HIV Specialist Nurses don't receive a London weighting equivalent.