NHS Pay Bands

NHS Sexual Health Nurse salary, 2026/27

Sexual health nurses provide contraception, STI testing and treatment, HIV care and sexual health education in genitourinary medicine clinics and community services. The role involves significant patient education and safeguarding work. Most sexual health nurses sit at Band 6, with advanced practitioners at Band 7.

Range (England)
£32,073 to £56,515
Typical bands
Band 5, Band 6, Band 7
Hourly entry
£16.40
Hourly top
£28.90

Calculate Sexual Health Nurse take-home pay

Sexual Health Nurse pay by band, England 2026/27

The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Sexual Health Nurses are typically paid on. Most Sexual Health Nurses move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.

Band Entry Top Hourly at top
Band 5 £32,073 £39,043 £19.97 Take-home
Band 6 £39,959 £48,117 £24.61 Take-home
Band 7 £49,387 £56,515 £28.90 Take-home

Sexual Health 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.

Band (Scotland) Entry Top
Band 5 £34,544 £43,039
Band 6 £43,231 £52,679
Band 7 £52,845 £61,466

Common questions

What pay band is a Sexual Health Nurse on?
NHS Sexual Health Nurses sit at Bands 5, 6 or Band 7 depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Sexual Health 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 Sexual Health Nurse earn in 2026/27?
On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Sexual Health Nurse earns between £32,073 and £56,515 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £16.40 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 Sexual Health Nurses earn between £34,544 and £61,466 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
Where can I find Sexual Health 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 Sexual Health Nurse get London weighting?
Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Sexual Health 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 Sexual Health Nurses don't receive a London weighting equivalent.