Band 8b Nurse Salary in London 2025

Find out exactly what a Band 8b nurse earns in London. Below are the full Agenda for Change pay scales for Band 8b 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£73,561
Mid point£78,783
Top of band£83,795

Band 8b pay scale in London

Pay pointAnnual salaryMonthly
Entry£73,561(incl. Inner London)£6,130
Mid point£78,783(incl. Inner London)£6,565
Top of band£83,795(incl. Inner London)£6,983

Estimated take-home pay

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

EstimateEntryTop of band
Gross annual£73,561£83,795
Income tax-£16,856-£20,950
National Insurance-£3,482-£3,687
NHS pension-£9,931-£11,312
Estimated take-home (annual)£43,292£47,846
Estimated take-home (monthly)£3,608£3,987

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

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How London compares

Band 8b entry salary in London: £73,561. UK average (no weighting): £65,095.

In London you earn about +£8,466 (13%) 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 8b nurses progress to Band 9 after around 5 years in role. Typical Band 9 roles include: Director of nursing, Chief nurse.

What comes after Band 8b?

The next step is Band 9. Use our Band 9 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 8b nurse earn in London?
In London, a Band 8b nurse earns between £65,095 and £75,329 per year (base salary), depending on pay point. London weighting or fringe allowance may apply in this area.
How do I progress from Band 8b?
Most Band 8b nurses progress to Band 9 after around 5 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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