How Much Do Nurses Earn in London?

Nurses in London earn an average salary of £27,380 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Nursing is an excellent career for those passionate about helping people, but how much do nurses earn in London? Nurses in London earn a significantly higher salary than the average salary for nurses in the rest of the UK. We've researched and compiled a list of salaries and average wages earned by nurses working in London.

How much do nurses earn in London?

One of the most frequently asked questions by people considering a career as a nurse is, 'how much do nurses earn in London?' According to recent data, nurses in London earn an average base salary of £29,218 per year. In addition, they may receive bonuses up to £5,000 per year, for total annual pay of £24,000 to £41,000.

How do London wages compare to other cities?

Salaries in London are likely to be higher than the average salary in the rest of the UK. However, this does not necessarily mean that nurses in London are paid more than those in other cities, or that their take-home earnings are more. It is important to remember that the cost of living in London is higher, so nurses may not actually take home more money than their counterparts in other parts of the country.

How much does it cost to live as a nurse in London?

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in London without rent for a single person is estimated to be £1,087 per month (without rent). This estimate includes food, transportation, utilities, and other necessary expenses. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Greater London (outside of the city centre) is around £1,606 per month.

What factors determine a nurse's salary?

Work experience

Those who have worked as a nurse for many years will typically earn a higher salary than those starting out. In most cases, nurses with less than two years of experience earn less than those with more than five years.

Education level

Nurses with higher levels of education tend to earn more than those with less education. This is because they often have more experience and are better able to provide care for their patients. In addition, nurses with higher levels of education are often able to get nursing jobs at better hospitals and earn more money.

Speciality

Nurses with specialised training and experience can earn significantly more than those without specialisation. For example, nurses who specialise in critical care or emergency room care often earn much higher salaries than those who work in more general settings. If you are considering a career in nursing, it is crucial to research salary ranges for different specialities to get an idea of what you could potentially earn.

Settings

The type of facility where a nurse works can also affect their salary. For example, nurses working in hospitals may earn more than those working in clinics. Hospitals typically have more patients and complex cases, requiring more training and experience.

Location

Nurses working in rural areas may earn less than those working in more urban or suburban areas. This is because the cost of living is generally higher in these areas, and there may be more opportunities for nurses with higher salaries.

NHS pay scale and bands from April 2023

NHS nurses have a pay band that they fall into. The pay scale ranges from Band 1 (the lowest) to Band 9 (the highest).

The government sets the NHS pay scales and bands; they can vary from year to year.

Here is a breakdown of the different bands and how much they earn:

Band 1: Closed to new entrants from 1 December 2018. Salary: £22,383.

Band 2

• < 2 years' experience: £22,383
  

• 2+ years' experience: £22,383

Band 3

• < 2 years' experience: £22,816
• 2+ years' experience: £24,336

Band 4

• < 3 years' experience: £25,147
• 3+ years' experience: £27,596

Band 5

• < 2 years' experience: £28,407
• 2-4 years' experience: £30,639
• 4+ years' experience: £34,581

Band 6

• < 2 years' experience: £35,392
• 2-5 years' experience: £37,350
• 5+ years' experience: £42,618

Band 7

• < 2 years' experience: £43,742
• 2-5 years' experience: £45,996
• 5+ years' experience: £50,056

Band 8a

• < 5 years' experience: £50,952
• 5+ years' experience: £57,349

Band 8b

• < 5 years' experience: £58,972
• 5+ years' experience: £68,525

Band 8c

• < 5 years' experience: £70,417
• 5+ years' experience: £81,138

Band 8d

• < 5 years' experience: £83,571
• 5+ years' experience: £96,376

Band 9

• < 5 years' experience: £99,891
• 5+ years' experience: £114,949

How much do locum nurses earn in the UK?

Locum nurses in the UK typically earn more than full-time nurses, making them an attractive option for many nurses. We discuss what the best paying nursing jobs in the UK are here.

The higher pay for locum nurses is because they are usually only hired for short-term assignments or with more unsociable shift hours, and thus can command a higher hourly rate.

What are the advantages of locum nurse jobs?

There are many advantages to locum nurse jobs. One advantage is the flexibility it offers. Locum nurse jobs allow nurses to choose their hours and work around their other commitments. This can be a great way to fit work into a hectic lifestyle.

Another advantage of locum nurse jobs is the variety it offers. Nurses can work in various settings and with different types of patients. This can help them to gain valuable experience and broaden their skillset.

Finally, locum nurse jobs can be a great way to earn extra income. Nurses can pick up additional shifts to boost their earnings, and many locum agencies offer competitive rates. This can be a great way to top up your salary or save for a rainy day.

Globe is a global recruitment agency that connects locums with healthcare employers. We work with healthcare organisations across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, helping them to find the right clinician for their needs.

Visit our locum jobs listings to see all the available positions.