NHS Infection Prevention Practitioner salary, 2026/27
Infection prevention practitioners (often a nursing role) support the Director of Infection Prevention and Control by leading surveillance of healthcare-associated infections, root cause analysis of cases, and staff training on aseptic technique and PPE. Most posts are Band 6, with senior practitioners at Band 7.
- Range (England)
- £39,959 to £56,515
- Typical bands
- Band 6, Band 7
- Hourly entry
- £20.44
- Hourly top
- £28.90
Infection Prevention Practitioner pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Infection Prevention Practitioners are typically paid on. Most Infection Prevention Practitioners move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Infection Prevention Practitioner 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 Infection Prevention Practitioner on?
- NHS Infection Prevention Practitioners sit at Band 6 or Band 7 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Infection Prevention Practitioners 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 Infection Prevention Practitioner earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Infection Prevention Practitioner 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 Infection Prevention Practitioners earn between £43,231 and £61,466 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Infection Prevention Practitioner 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 Infection Prevention Practitioner get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Infection Prevention Practitioners 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 Infection Prevention Practitioners don't receive a London weighting equivalent.