Band 8a Nurse Salary in London 2025

Find out exactly what a Band 8a nurse earns in London. Below are the full Agenda for Change pay scales for Band 8a in London, including entry, mid and top salaries, plus estimated take-home pay after tax, National Insurance and NHS pension.

Salary progression in London

Entry£64,156
Mid point£67,956
Top of band£71,148

Band 8a pay scale in London

Pay pointAnnual salaryMonthly
Entry£64,156(incl. Inner London)£5,346
Mid point£67,956(incl. Inner London)£5,663
Top of band£71,148(incl. Inner London)£5,929

Estimated take-home pay

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

EstimateEntryTop of band
Gross annual£64,156£71,148
Income tax-£13,094-£15,891
National Insurance-£3,294-£3,434
NHS pension-£8,661-£9,605
Estimated take-home (annual)£39,107£42,218
Estimated take-home (monthly)£3,259£3,518

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

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How London compares

Band 8a entry salary in London: £64,156. UK average (no weighting): £55,690.

In London you earn about +£8,466 (15%) 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 8a nurses progress to Band 8b after around 6 years in role. Typical Band 8b roles include: Deputy director of nursing, Senior nurse consultant.

What comes after Band 8a?

The next step is Band 8b. Use our Band 8b salary page for London to see pay scales, or try the salary calculator to model your take-home pay.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Band 8a nurse earn in London?
In London, a Band 8a nurse earns between £55,690 and £62,682 per year (base salary), depending on pay point. London weighting or fringe allowance may apply in this area.
How do I progress from Band 8a?
Most Band 8a nurses progress to Band 8b after around 6 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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