Types of Nurses in the UK, What They Do, and How Much They Get Paid in 2025

Is finding a nursing job in the UK one of your current career priorities? If so, have you updated your resume to reflect your qualifications and experience for UK nursing roles? Before moving, take time to understand Types of Nurses in the UK, What They Do, and How Much They Get Paid, because the healthcare facilities in the UK have different nursing specialties that may be apt for you. The UK’s nursing job market shines as a beacon of aspiration for nurses, attracting them with the promise of exceptional opportunities and life-changing experience. The salary for nurses in uk is really an attractive factor that makes international nurses work there. The incomplete information you gathered about the responsibilities of various nurses in the UK might be confusing to you. Let us discuss the main types of nurses, their responsibilities, and approximate salary ranges.

Registered Nurses are the backbone of healthcare in the UK. They provide direct patient care, administer medications, assist with medical procedures, and coordinate patient treatment plans. RNs can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centres.

Salary for nurses in uk for a registered nurse is better than many other countries. The salary of nurses in the UK depends on several factors.  The average base salary for an RN in the UK is around £31,943 per year. This may vary from the location you are going to work or the experience you had.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care based on individual needs and evidence-based practices.
• Administering medications, treatments, and therapies as prescribed by healthcare providers.
• Providing patients and their families with information about their conditions, treatments, and self-care.
• Educating patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing illness.

Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses with specialized training and qualifications. They can diagnose and treat common illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide primary care services. NPs often work in collaboration with doctors and have the autonomy to manage their patient caseload.

A nurse practitioner is a nurse with specialized clinical education and advanced training, often regarded as a medical practitioner. The average base salary of a Nurse Practitioner in the UK is £37,929 per year, providing insight into the salary of nurses in the UK.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Conducting advanced assessments, including health histories and physical examinations.
• Diagnosing and treating common health conditions, injuries, and illnesses.
• Prescribing medications, treatments, and therapies within a defined scope of practice.
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging.

Nurse Midwives specialize in providing care to expectant mothers before, during, and after childbirth. They offer prenatal care, assist with labor and delivery, and provide postnatal support. Nurse Midwives can work in hospitals, birthing centres, or as independent practitioners.

Not only do the salary of nurses in the UK earn high, but midwives also earn competitive salaries. Their average base salary is approximately £39,660 per year.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Providing comprehensive prenatal care, including health assessments, monitoring of maternal and fetal well-being, and counseling.
• Educating expectant parents about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• Collaborating with obstetricians, pediatricians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
• Communicating effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are highly trained nurses who administer anaesthesia during surgical procedures. They monitor patients’ vital signs and ensure their safety throughout anaesthesia administration.

CRNAs have a significant responsibility and earn an average base salary of £32,482 per year. This may vary depending on location and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of anesthesia administration, patient responses, and other relevant information.
• Conducting thorough preoperative assessments of patients’ medical histories and physical conditions.
• Evaluating patients’ readiness for anesthesia and identifying potential risks.
• Administering anesthesia to patients before surgical or medical procedures.

Critical Care Nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and specialized critical care units. They care for critically ill patients, closely monitoring their conditions, administering life-saving treatments, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Critical Care Nurses can earn an average base salary of around £38,453. They can earn high salaries if they become experienced.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Providing intensive and specialized care to critically ill patients in various settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs) or high dependency units (HDUs).
• Monitoring patients’ vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other relevant parameters.
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians and healthcare providers.

Pediatric Nurses focus on providing healthcare to infants, children, and adolescents. They may work in pediatric hospitals, clinics, or schools. Their responsibilities include administering vaccinations, conducting health assessments, and supporting families in managing childhood illnesses.

Pediatric Nurses earn an average base salary of approximately £34,873.  If you gain experience in this field you earn up to £64,740 per year.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Providing specialized care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings, such as pediatric wards, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
  
• Assessing and monitoring patients’ growth, development, and overall health.

Mental Health Nurses specialize in caring for patients with mental health disorders. They assess patients’ mental health, provide therapy and counseling, and assist in developing treatment plans. Mental Health Nurses may work in hospitals, community centres, or mental health facilities. Their average base salary ranges of a mental health nurse is £32,855 per year.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Providing specialized care to individuals of all ages who are experiencing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
• Assessing patients’ mental health status, conducting thorough interviews, and evaluating their needs.
• Implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and crisis intervention.
• Helping patients develop coping skills and strategies to manage their mental health conditions.

Public Health Nurses focus on promoting health and preventing diseases within communities. They work on various initiatives, such as vaccination programs, health education, and disease surveillance. Public Health Nurses earn an average salary of around £29,995 to £46,709 per year.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, local authorities, community groups, and government agencies to promote public health.
• Working together to address health challenges on a broader scale.

• Experience : More years of your nursing experience lead to a higher pay.
• Location : Salaries can vary significantly depending on the region or city you are working.
• Specialization : Nurses with specialized skills or certifications can earn more compared to others.
• Additional Qualifications : Advanced degrees and certifications can boost your earnings.
• Shifts and Overtime : If you can work irregular hours or overtime then you can increase income.
• Cost of Living : Areas with a higher cost of living may offer higher salaries.
• Supply and Demand : Nursing shortages can drive up salaries in some areas.

Out of all the different nursing sectors available in the UK, working in your particular field of nursing is the most important. It lets you focus on what you do best and improve your skills. Which nurses are most in demand UK? , What are the ranks of nurses UK? etc . When you follow the nursing path chosen, you make a big difference in a field that really speaks to your passion and dedication. This boosts your job happiness to a whole new level. contact careergrids the best nursing recrutment agency in india ro secure your nursing career in uk