How much does a Band 6 nurse earn?
In England, entry Band 6 basic is about £2,430 a month take-home on £39,959 a year (full-time, before unsocial hours). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use different pay points.
Band 6 covers specialist nurses, many experienced midwives’ pathways, and similar senior clinical posts. Table figures are full-time basic take-home by nation.
Take-home by nationFull-time basic, entry and top pay points — no unsocial hours
| Nation | Entry basic | Entry take-home / mo | Top basic | Top take-home / mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England2026/27 | £39,959 | £2,430 | £48,117 | £2,866 |
| Scotland2026/27 | £43,169 | £2,597 | £52,603 | £3,040 |
| Wales2026/27 | £40,559 | £2,462 | £48,841 | £2,905 |
| Northern Ireland2025/26 | £38,682 | £2,361 | £46,580 | £2,784 |
About this role
Typical Band 6 nursing titles include specialist nurse, senior staff nurse and some sister roles depending on the trust. It is a step up from Band 5 entry registered posts, with its own pay points.
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
OOH depends on specialty: ward, ED and acute roles often keep nights and weekends; clinic or pathway roles may be closer to days. Enhancements still follow Section 2 when you work qualifying shifts.
Read NHS unsocial hours (Section 2), then add your nights and weekend shifts on a nation calculator.
Progression
Next steps often include Band 7 ward sister / charge nurse or advanced practice routes toward Band 8a. Health visitor roles are also commonly Band 6 after SCPHN training — see that hub if relevant.
Open a calculatorAdd your hours and shifts
Related roles
Common questions
When do nurses move to Band 6?
When they take a Band 6 post — for example specialist or senior roles. It is not automatic with years of service alone; the job must be banded at 6.
Is Band 6 nurse pay the same as Band 6 health visitor?
Basic AfC pay points match for the band. Rotas and enhancements often differ — health visiting is usually more daytime community work.
Does the Band 6 table include unsocial hours?
No. Add nights or weekends in the nation calculator if your specialty works them.