Career & Pay · NHS

Practice Nurse Pay Progression Calculator

See how pay could grow for a Practice Nurse on the Band 5 scale: £32,073 at the first point, and £39,043 at the top, which the calculator reaches after 4 years (rates from 1/4/2026). It opens at year 0 with a 5-year horizon; set your years in the band to start where you are.

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  • Last updated:
  • NHS Agenda for Change
  • Free, no sign-in

You'll see:

  • Current gross pay and pay at the end of your chosen period
  • Total gross earnings over the period
  • A year-by-year table and chart
Assumptions and pay data

Pay data: NHS Agenda for Change. Band 5: £32,073 to £39,043 over 3 pay points, rates from 1/4/2026. Checked 9/10/2026.

  • How we model progression: Many UK 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. We don't deduct UK tax, National Insurance or pension.
  • Allowances and eligibility vary by UK employer.

Progression is shown using the pay structure for your sector (spine points or annual increments). Rules and rates vary by employer, so treat this as an illustrative guide only.

Pay Progression Calculator

EnglandNHS Agenda for Change employersFramework from 1/4/2026

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Guide for Practice Nurse

This guide explains how pay progression typically works for Practice Nurse at NHS on Band 5 under NHS Agenda for Change. Use the calculator on this page for illustrative figures; confirm spine points and progression dates with your employer.

Pay progression for Practice Nurse

As Practice Nurse at NHS, pay is usually set under NHS Agenda for Change. Our dataset typically maps this role to Band 5; your actual grade may differ. On Agenda for Change, pay moves through spine points within each band, usually subject to national progression standards (appraisal, training, no capability proceedings).

Typical progression for Practice Nurse

Progression depends on employer; often Band 5/6 → senior/lead practice nurse. Use the calculator on this page to see how pay changes over time.

What to enter in the calculator

Choose your current band or grade, then set how many years you have already been on that band. That sets your starting point on the scale. Select how many years ahead you want to project. The tool shows year-by-year gross pay and total earnings over the period.

What this does not include

The projection uses base band pay only. It does not add allowances (London weighting, unsocial hours, TLR, HCAS), overtime, or non-consolidated awards. Tax, National Insurance and pension are not deducted: all figures are gross.

Example scenario

Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)

Default example inputs and illustrative outputs for Practice Nurse
Band / gradeBand 5
Years already in band0
Gross pay now (example)£32,073
Gross pay after 5 years (example)£39,043
Projection period5 years

Frequently asked questions

Is Practice Nurse pay always Agenda for Change?

Practice Nurse staff in GP practices are often practice-employed on local terms, not NHS AfC. Trust-employed staff may be on AfC. Confirm your contract before using a band default.

What should I enter?

If you are practice-employed, enter your actual salary. If you are on AfC, choose the correct band for your post.

About this role

What is a Practice Nurse?

A Practice Nurse works in a GP surgery, providing immunisations, chronic disease management, health checks and treatment. They may be on AFC or practice-employed terms depending on employer.

Typical demands, progression and balance

Practice nursing offers continuity and community impact. Pay and conditions vary by practice and contract. Progression to senior practice nurse or nurse practitioner is common.

Are there progression routes?

Progression depends on employer; often Band 5/6 → senior/lead practice nurse. Use the table above to see how pay changes over time.

Disclaimer

Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.