Band 5 Nurse Salary in Reading 2025

Find out exactly what a Band 5 nurse earns in Reading. Below are the full Agenda for Change pay scales for Band 5 in Reading, including entry, mid and top salaries, plus estimated take-home pay after tax, National Insurance and NHS pension.

Salary progression in Reading

Entry£32,601
Mid point£35,391
Top of band£39,686

Band 5 pay scale in Reading

Pay pointAnnual salaryMonthly
Entry£32,601(incl. London Fringe)£2,717
Mid point£35,391(incl. London Fringe)£2,949
Top of band£39,686(incl. London Fringe)£3,307

Estimated take-home pay

Estimates based on 2025/26 tax and NHS pension rates.

EstimateEntryTop of band
Gross annual£32,601£39,686
Income tax-£4,006-£5,423
National Insurance-£1,603-£2,169
NHS pension-£2,706-£3,889
Estimated take-home (annual)£24,286£28,205
Estimated take-home (monthly)£2,024£2,350

Estimates based on 2025/26 tax and NHS pension rates. Actual take-home may vary.

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How Reading compares

Band 5 entry salary in Reading: £32,601. UK average (no weighting): £31,049.

In Reading you earn about +£1,552 (5%) more than the UK average for this band, due to location weighting.

Use the salary calculator to see take-home pay for your exact pay point and location.

Progression to the next band

Many Band 5 nurses progress to Band 6 after around 3 years in role. Typical Band 6 roles include: Senior nurse, Specialist nurse.

What comes after Band 5?

The next step is Band 6. Use our Band 6 salary page for Reading to see pay scales, or try the salary calculator to model your take-home pay.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Band 5 nurse earn in Reading?
In Reading, a Band 5 nurse earns between £31,049 and £37,796 per year (base salary), depending on pay point. London weighting or fringe allowance may apply in this area.
How do I progress from Band 5?
Most Band 5 nurses progress to Band 6 after around 3 years, by gaining experience and taking on responsibilities that match the higher band's job profile.
What is the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale?
Agenda for Change (AfC) is the NHS pay system. Jobs are matched to pay bands (2–9) and pay points within each band. Salaries are set nationally with London weighting where applicable.
When do NHS pay scales change?
NHS pay is usually updated each financial year (April). The figures on this page reflect the 2025/26 pay scales.

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