How much does a nursing associate earn?

In England, entry Band 4 basic is about £1,874 a month take-home on £28,392 a year (full-time, before unsocial hours). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use different pay points.

Nursing associates are usually Agenda for Change Band 4. Figures below are full-time basic take-home estimates by nation.

Take-home by nationFull-time basic, entry and top pay points — no unsocial hours

Estimates assume 37.5 hours a week, tax code 1257L, NHS pension on, no student loan, no London weighting and no unsocial hours. Northern Ireland may show the latest published year labelled in the table.
Nation Entry basic Entry take-home / mo Top basic Top take-home / mo
England2026/27 £28,392 £1,874 £31,157 £1,990
Scotland2026/27 £31,492 £2,012 £34,254 £2,161
Wales2026/27 £28,819 £1,898 £31,626 £2,016
Northern Ireland2025/26 £27,485 £1,823 £30,162 £1,936

About this role

Nursing associates are NMC-registered bridge roles between support workers and registered nurses. Assistant practitioners and some dental nurse posts can also sit on Band 4.

What comes off

  • Income tax and National Insurance — Scotland uses different tax bands.
  • NHS pension — tiered contribution; see the pension guide.
  • Student loan — common for newly qualified staff; see the student loan guide.
  • London weighting (England) — if you work in a designated zone; see HCAS.

Out-of-hours pay

Ward-based nursing associates typically work rotas like registered nurses — nights and weekends are common, with Section 2 enhancements on top of basic. Use the calculator to add your shifts.

Read NHS unsocial hours (Section 2), then add your nights and weekend shifts on a nation calculator.

Progression

Many nursing associates top up to registered nurse (Band 5). See the Band 5 nurse and midwife page for the next pay band.

Open a calculatorAdd your hours and shifts

England Band 4 From £1,874 / mo at entry Scotland Band 4 From £2,012 / mo at entry Wales Band 4 From £1,898 / mo at entry Northern Ireland Band 4 From £1,823 / mo at entry

Common questions

What band is a nursing associate?

Nursing associate posts are normally Band 4 under Agenda for Change. Confirm on the job advert if a trust uses a different banding.

Is a nursing associate the same as a Band 5 nurse?

No. Nursing associates are Band 4; registered nurses usually start on Band 5. Training pathways differ and so do pay points.

Do nursing associates get unsocial hours pay?

Yes, when they work qualifying nights or weekends under Section 2. The table on this page is basic pay only.