Are you searching for the highest paying NHS Trusts for nurses in the UK in 2025? You are not alone. Thousands of nurses, students, and healthcare professionals across the UK are asking:
Which NHS Trusts pay the most? Where are the best locations to work as a nurse in the NHS? How much more can I earn in certain areas compared to others? Understanding where you can earn the highest salary as a nurse helps you plan your career, decide where to apply, and make informed decisions about relocation.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the highest paying NHS Trusts for nurses in the UK in 2025, including the best locations, why some trusts pay more, salary ranges, benefits, and how to find the right opportunity for you.
Why You Should Know About the Highest Paying NHS Trusts
Knowing which NHS Trusts pay the most is important because:
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It helps you maximise your earnings as a nurse.
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It shows you which locations offer additional financial support (like London weighting).
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It allows you to compare salary packages between trusts before applying.
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It helps you balance income with cost of living in different areas.
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It gives you insight into where nursing demand is highest — and where you might find more opportunities.
The NHS nurse pay structure is nationally set under the Agenda for Change, but some trusts offer additional incentives, allowances, and benefits which can make a big difference to your take-home pay.
Do NHS Trusts Pay Nurses Differently?
Yes. Even though the base pay bands for NHS nurses are standard across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, several factors can make pay at certain trusts higher:
Location Supplements
Trusts in high cost areas, such as London, offer additional payments (called High Cost Area Supplements) to help staff cope with higher living costs.
Recruitment & Retention Premiums
Some trusts in hard-to-staff areas may offer extra bonuses to attract and keep nurses.
Overtime & Unsocial Hours
Trusts with staffing shortages may have more overtime or bank shifts available at enhanced rates.
Specialist Roles
Some trusts focus on specialist care (e.g., cancer, cardiac, neurosurgery), which may come with higher pay for experienced nurses.
Highest Paying NHS Trusts in the UK 2025
Here are some of the highest paying NHS Trusts and best locations for nurses in 2025, along with what makes them attractive.
1. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (London)
Location: Central London
Why it pays well:
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Offers full inner London weighting (up to £7,000 extra annually).
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One of the largest and most prestigious trusts in the UK.
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Numerous opportunities for specialist nursing roles.
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High demand for nurses due to its size and service range.
Average Band 5 salary (with London weighting): ~£37,000–£42,000/year
2. Barts Health NHS Trust (London)
Location: East London
Why it pays well:
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Covers several large hospitals in inner London.
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High cost area supplement.
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Offers extensive training and career progression.
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Frequently recruits nurses due to its size.
Average Band 5 salary (with London weighting): ~£36,500–£41,500/year
3. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (London)
Location: West London
Why it pays well:
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Inner London weighting.
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Known for specialist services and research opportunities.
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Modern facilities and advanced clinical services.
Average Band 5 salary (with London weighting): ~£37,000–£42,000/year
4. University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (London)
Location: Central London
Why it pays well:
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Inner London supplement.
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Prestigious teaching and research hospital.
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Opportunities to work in advanced specialist areas.
Average Band 5 salary (with London weighting): ~£37,000–£42,000/year
5. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (London)
Location: West London
Why it pays well:
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High cost area pay.
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Smaller, more specialised environment.
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Strong support for career development.
Average Band 5 salary (with London weighting): ~£36,500–£41,000/year
6. Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (London)
Location: North London
Why it pays well:
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Full inner London supplement.
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Known for renal, liver, and infectious disease expertise.
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Career development and education opportunities.
Average Band 5 salary (with London weighting): ~£37,000–£42,000/year
7. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (London)
Location: Central London
Why it pays well:
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Inner London pay.
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Specialist paediatric nursing opportunities.
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Highly sought-after roles.
Average Band 5 salary (with London weighting): ~£36,500–£41,500/year
8. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Cambridge)
Location: Cambridge
Why it pays well:
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Regional hub with high demand.
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Offers specialist and research roles.
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Slightly lower cost of living than London.
Average Band 5 salary: ~£31,500–£37,000/year
9. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Oxford)
Location: Oxford
Why it pays well:
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Prestigious trust with advanced services.
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Specialist care and teaching opportunities.
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Regional supplements.
Average Band 5 salary: ~£31,500–£37,000/year
10. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (Manchester)
Location: Manchester
Why it pays well:
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Large trust with numerous career paths.
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Opportunities for overtime and progression.
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Lower living costs compared to London.
Average Band 5 salary: ~£31,000–£36,500/year
Summary Table: Highest Paying NHS Trusts for Nurses UK 2025
| NHS Trust | Location | Estimated Band 5 Salary (with supplements) |
|---|---|---|
| Guy’s & St Thomas’ | London | £37,000–£42,000 |
| Barts Health | London | £36,500–£41,500 |
| Imperial College Healthcare | London | £37,000–£42,000 |
| UCLH | London | £37,000–£42,000 |
| Chelsea & Westminster | London | £36,500–£41,000 |
| Royal Free London | London | £37,000–£42,000 |
| Great Ormond Street | London | £36,500–£41,500 |
| Cambridge University Hospitals | Cambridge | £31,500–£37,000 |
| Oxford University Hospitals | Oxford | £31,500–£37,000 |
| Manchester University | Manchester | £31,000–£36,500 |
Why Do London NHS Trusts Pay the Most?
London Trusts pay the most because they include the High Cost Area Supplement, which adds:
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Inner London: up to ~£7,000/year
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Outer London: ~£4,500/year
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Fringe: ~£2,000/year
However, the higher cost of living in London means your disposable income may not be as high as in other areas.
Factors to Consider Beyond Salary
When choosing where to work, consider:
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Cost of Living: London salaries are higher, but rent and expenses are also much higher.
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Career Development: Some trusts offer better training or specialist roles.
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Work-Life Balance: Smaller trusts in less busy areas may offer a better lifestyle.
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Commute and Location: Consider how far you’re willing to travel daily.
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Team and Culture: Each trust has its own working environment and reputation.
How to Find High Paying NHS Nursing Jobs
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Check NHS Jobs website regularly for openings.
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Apply for roles in inner London if you want maximum pay.
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Look for trusts offering recruitment or retention bonuses.
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Consider agency or bank work for higher hourly rates.
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Pursue specialist skills that are in high demand (like ITU, theatre, or paediatrics).
Frequently Asked Questions: Highest Paying NHS Trusts for Nurses UK 2025
Which NHS Trust pays nurses the most in 2025?
Guy’s and St Thomas’ and other inner London trusts generally offer the highest pay due to London weighting.
Is it worth moving to London for higher pay?
It depends on your circumstances. While pay is higher, living costs can offset much of the extra salary.
Are there bonuses for working in hard-to-staff areas?
Yes. Some trusts offer additional incentives or “golden hello” bonuses.
Do specialist roles earn more than general nursing?
Yes. Specialist areas such as ICU, theatres, or oncology often offer higher pay or bonuses.
Can you negotiate pay at an NHS Trust?
The basic pay bands are fixed, but you can sometimes negotiate starting points within a band or request additional hours.
Final Thoughts: Highest Paying NHS Trusts for Nurses in the UK 2025
The highest paying NHS Trusts for nurses in the UK in 2025 are mainly in inner London, where salaries are boosted by location allowances and plentiful specialist opportunities. Trusts like Guy’s and St Thomas’, Imperial College Healthcare, and University College London Hospitals lead the list.
However, high pay often comes with high living costs and increased demands. Weigh your priorities carefully — whether it’s maximum earnings, work-life balance, career development, or cost of living.
By understanding the pay structure and exploring different trusts, you can make an informed decision about where to build your nursing career.