NHS Nursing Associate salary, 2026/27
Nursing associates are a registered profession sitting between healthcare assistants and registered nurses. They complete a two-year foundation degree apprenticeship and register with the NMC. The role is consistently graded at Band 4. Many nursing associates go on to complete a top-up nursing degree to qualify as registered nurses at Band 5.
- Range (England)
- £28,392 to £31,157
- Typical band
- Band 4
- Hourly entry
- £14.52
- Hourly top
- £15.93
Nursing Associate pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Nursing Associates are typically paid on. Most Nursing Associates move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Nursing Associate 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.
| Band (Scotland) | Entry | Top |
|---|---|---|
| Band 4 | £31,537 | £34,303 |
Common questions
- What pay band is a Nursing Associate on?
- Most NHS Nursing Associates are banded at Band 4. The exact responsibility level can vary slightly between Trusts, but the banding is consistent across the NHS because the Job Evaluation Scheme produces the same score for the same job description.
- How much does an NHS Nursing Associate earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Nursing Associate earns between £28,392 and £31,157 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £14.52 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £15.93 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Nursing Associates earn between £31,537 and £34,303 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Nursing Associate 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 Nursing Associate get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Nursing Associates 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 Nursing Associates don't receive a London weighting equivalent.