Charge Nurse Pay Progression Calculator
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This calculator helps you model Charge Nurse career & pay using an illustrative dataset and your assumptions. Use it to compare scenarios and understand the impact over time.
Assumptions
Pay data: NHS Agenda for Change. Illustrative; 2025/26 pay round. Used for NHS and NHS ambulance trusts (Agenda for Change). Always check NHS Employers or your employer for current rates.
- Figures are illustrative and may not reflect the latest pay awards or your employer’s exact rules.
- How we model progression: Many public sector pay scales use spine points—fixed salary steps within a band. Where the dataset has spine points, we assume you move up one point every X years (e.g. every 2 years). Where there are no spine points, we use an annual increment until you reach the band maximum. Real rules (time in grade, performance, etc.) vary by employer and contract.
- Years in role (starting point): This is how many years you have already been in this band. It sets where you start on the scale for the projection—e.g. 0 = bottom of the band (year one), 4 = four years in (you may already be at a higher spine point). Change it to match your situation.
- All outputs are gross—tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted.
- Allowances and eligibility vary by employer.
Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer—treat this as an illustrative guide only.
Frequently asked questions
About this role
What is a Charge Nurse?
A Charge Nurse (or Ward Sister/Charge Midwife equivalent) is a registered nurse or midwife who holds clinical and often managerial responsibility for a ward, unit or team. They coordinate care, supervise staff, manage rotas and resources, and act as a senior clinical lead. Most hold a band 6 or 7 role on Agenda for Change.
Is it a rewarding career?
Charge Nurse roles are often highly rewarding: you combine hands-on care with leadership, mentoring and service improvement. Pay and job satisfaction depend on specialty, trust and band. Progression to band 7 and above or into matron/lead roles is common.
Are there progression routes?
Typical routes: Band 5 Staff Nurse → Band 6 Charge Nurse/Ward Manager → Band 7 Senior Charge/Matron → Band 8a+ lead roles. Use the table above to see how pay changes over time on AFC.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides illustrative estimates only and is not financial or career advice. Pay rules and allowances can change. Always check your employer or official sources for definitive figures.