Pediatric Nurse Salary UK 2026/27: Take-Home Pay and Job Offer Comparisons

Pediatric Nurse Salary UK 2026/27: What You Need to Know

If you are considering a job offer as a pediatric nurse or comparing roles across the UK, understanding the pediatric nurse salary and what you actually take home after deductions is essential. Pediatric nurses are employed under the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) framework, the same system that covers around 700,000 nurses in England. There is no separate pay band for pediatrics – your salary depends on your AfC band and pay point, not the specialty.

Typical Gross Salaries for Pediatric Nurses

Most pediatric nurses start at Band 5 (newly qualified or early career). The 2024/25 pay scales (which are likely to be similar for 2026/27, pending the annual pay award) show:

• Band 5 starting point: £29,970 per year
• Band 5 top of scale: £36,483 per year
• Band 6 starting point: £37,338 per year (for experienced or specialist nurses)
• Band 6 top of scale: £44,962 per year

These figures are for England excluding London weighting. If you work in London or a high-cost area, you receive a High Cost Area Supplement – typically 20% of basic salary in inner London (up to a cap) and 15% in outer London. For example, a Band 5 nurse in inner London could earn around £35,964 at entry level.

Take-Home Pay After Tax and National Insurance

Like all UK employees, your pediatric nurse salary is subject to Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. For 2026/27, the rates are:

• Income Tax: 0% on the first £12,570 (Personal Allowance), 20% on earnings from £12,571 to £50,270, and 40% on earnings above £50,270.
• National Insurance (employee): 0% on earnings up to £12,570, 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on earnings above £50,270.

Using these rates, a Band 5 pediatric nurse on £29,970 (no pension, no student loan) would take home approximately £25,098 per year (£2,092 per month). A Band 6 nurse on £37,338 would take home about £30,346 per year (£2,529 per month). These figures are from the After Tax Salary take-home calculator and assume standard tax code.

The Impact of the NHS Pension

Most pediatric nurses are auto-enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme. Contributions are deducted from your gross pay before Income Tax is calculated, which gives you tax relief. However, National Insurance is still calculated on your full gross salary (unless your trust uses a salary sacrifice arrangement).

For 2024/25, employee contribution rates are tiered by pensionable pay:

• Up to £13,246: 5.1%
• £13,247 – £26,831: 6.5%
• £26,832 – £32,691: 8.3%
• £32,692 – £49,078: 9.8%
• £49,079 – £62,924: 12.5%
• £62,925 and above: 13.5%

A Band 5 pediatric nurse on £34,592 (an intermediate point) contributing 8.3% would have a pension deduction of about £2,871 per year. After tax and NI, their take-home would be roughly £26,129 per year (based on salarytax.uk data). The pension contribution reduces taxable income, saving about £574 in Income Tax (20% of £2,871).

Comparing Job Offers: What to Look For

When comparing pediatric nurse job offers, look beyond the headline pediatric nurse salary. Consider:

• London weighting or High Cost Area Supplements – these can add £3,000–£7,000 to your gross.
• Unsocial hours enhancements – evening, weekend, and night shifts attract time-and-a-third or time-and-a-half.
• NHS pension – a valuable benefit worth around 20% of salary in employer contributions.
• Student loan repayments – if you have a Plan 2 or Plan 5 loan, repayments of 9% on earnings above £2,274/month (Plan 2) or £2,306/month (Plan 5) will reduce take-home.
• Scottish tax rates – if you work in Scotland, you pay different Income Tax bands: 21% intermediate rate from £26,561 and 42% higher rate from £43,662, which can reduce net pay compared to England.

For more context on how different professions compare, see our salary articles covering take-home pay across 159 UK roles.

Summary

The pediatric nurse salary in the UK is determined by the NHS Agenda for Change pay bands. A typical Band 5 pediatric nurse earns between £29,970 and £36,483 gross, with take-home pay after tax and NI ranging from about £25,098 to £29,787 (excluding pension). Band 6 pediatric nurses earn £37,338 to £44,962 gross, with take-home from £30,346 to £35,041. Adding the NHS pension reduces take-home but provides valuable retirement benefits. Always use a detailed take-home calculator to see your personal net pay including all deductions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical pediatric nurse salary in the UK?

Pediatric nurses are paid on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales. A newly qualified pediatric nurse (Band 5) starts at around £29,970, rising to £36,483 at the top of the band. With experience and specialist qualifications, a pediatric nurse can progress to Band 6, which starts at £37,338 and goes up to £44,962. These figures are for England excluding London weighting. The actual salary for 2026/27 will depend on the annual NHS pay award.

How much take-home pay does a pediatric nurse get after deductions?

Take-home pay depends on tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions. For a Band 5 pediatric nurse on £29,970 with no pension, take-home is roughly £25,098 per year (after income tax and NI only). If contributing 8.3% to the NHS Pension, the take-home reduces further, but the pension contribution gives income tax relief. For a Band 6 nurse on £37,338, take-home after tax and NI (no pension) is about £30,346. Using the take-home calculator on this site can give a personalised estimate including pension and student loan.

Does a pediatric nurse earn more than a general nurse?

No, pediatric nurses are paid on the same Agenda for Change pay bands as other nurses (e.g., adult, mental health). There is no additional pay for the specialty itself. However, pediatric nurses working in London or other high-cost areas receive a High Cost Area Supplement, and those with additional qualifications or responsibilities (e.g., advanced nurse practitioner) may be on Band 7 or higher. The base pediatric nurse salary is identical to that of a general nurse at the same band and pay point.