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.
- Pay is pro-rated by FTE (full-time equivalent) from the full-time band rate. Pro-rata and pattern rules vary by employer.
- All amounts are gross. Tax, NI and pension are not deducted.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Impact Calculator
EnglandNHS Agenda for Change employersFramework from 1/4/2026
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Guide for Staff Nurse
This guide explains how part-time FTE affects gross pay for Staff Nurse on Band 5 at NHS. Pro-rata rules can vary; check your contract and HR team.
Part-time pay for Staff Nurse
As Staff Nurse at NHS, part-time pay is usually pro-rated from full-time basic pay on your band or grade (Band 5 on NHS Agenda for Change). Enter your FTE (for example 0.8 for a four-day week) to compare with full-time gross pay. Unsocial hours, HCAS and other enhancements are calculated on actual basic pay where they apply.
Part-time and FTE explained
Full-time equivalent (FTE) compares your contracted hours to a full-time post. 0.8 FTE usually means four days out of five: pay is typically pro-rated to 80% of the full-time salary for the same band. Employers may round or apply local rules, so treat results as a guide.
AfC and part-time working
AfC staff often job share or work part-time with pay pro-rated to contracted hours. Unsocial hours and HCAS are calculated on actual basic pay. Annual leave and sick pay are also pro-rated by hours.
Progression and pension
Many public sector employers count part-time service at full rate for incremental progression, but not all do. Pension is different: in the career average schemes most public sector staff now build up pension in, each year adds pension based on the pay you actually earn, so a year at 0.8 FTE adds about 80% of a full-time year. Check your contract for progression dates and your pension scheme for how part-time pay affects your pension.
Example scenario
Illustrative example at bottom of band (matches calculator defaults)
| Band / grade | Band 5 |
|---|---|
| Full-time gross (example) | £32,073 |
| At 0.8 FTE (example) | £25,658 |
| Annual difference vs full-time | £6,415 |
Frequently asked questions
What does this part-time calculator show for Staff Nurse?
It compares full-time gross pay on Band 5 with pro-rated pay at your chosen FTE (for example 0.8 for four days a week) using NHS Agenda for Change.
How is FTE pay worked out for NHS Staff Nurse?
We multiply the full-time band rate by your FTE. Many employers pro-rata exactly; some apply local rounding. Check NHS Employers or your trust HR.
Does part-time affect progression for Staff Nurse?
Many public sector employers count part-time service at full rate for incremental progression, but rules vary. Confirm with NHS HR before assuming progression dates.
What FTE should I try first?
Start with 0.8 if you are considering a four-day week, then compare 0.9 and 0.6. Keep the same Band 5 and years in band you use on other calculators for this role.
Is leave and pension included?
No. This page shows gross salary only. Use the Annual Leave calculator for pro-rated leave and speak to your pension scheme about part-time contributions.
Can I plan a full part-time journey?
Yes. After you run this tool, use Continue planning to move through allowances, leave and take-home pay with the same band and FTE saved in your browser.
Are the results gross or net? Do you store my data?
Unless this page says otherwise, figures are gross (before tax, National Insurance and pension). Your calculator inputs and results stay in your browser and are not stored. We only collect your name and email if you choose to give them, for example to download your results or sign up for email updates. We store them with MailerLite, our email provider, along with the page you were on. See our privacy policy.
About this role
What is a Staff Nurse?
A Staff Nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who delivers direct patient care in hospitals, community or primary care. They assess patients, plan and deliver care, administer treatments and medications, and work within multidisciplinary teams. Most are on AFC Band 5.
Typical demands, progression and balance
Staff nursing offers variety, patient contact and clear progression. Pay and satisfaction vary by specialty, trust and location. Many progress to Band 6 (e.g. Charge Nurse, specialist roles) or into advanced practice.
What about reduced hours or part-time?
Many public sector roles support part-time or reduced hours. Use the calculator above to compare full-time pay with reduced FTE for your band.
Disclaimer
Illustrative estimates, not financial or career advice. Your payslip and contract decide what you are actually paid.