The following table states the mean earnings for qualified nurses from 1997-08 to 2008-09 in nominal and real terms (based on 2008-09 prices).
Nominal (£) At 2008-09 prices (£) Percentage yearly increase in real terms 1997-98 20,830 27,109 — 1998-99 21,042 26,820 -1.1 1999-2000 22,329 27,911 4.1 2000-01 23,427 28,903 3.6 2001-02 24,733 29,848 3.3 2002-03 25,702 30,048 0.7 2003-04 26,342 29,952 -0.3 2004-05 27,697 30,641 2.3 2005-06 28,784 31,260 2.0 2006-07 29,861 31,498 0.8 2007-08 31,149 31,935 1.4 2008-09 32,339 32,339 1.3 Notes: 1. Mean earnings are estimated from the qualified nurse pay bill figures using NHS accounts data together with the NHS Pension Scheme rates, and national insurance rates and thresholds that apply to NHS employers. 2. The pay bill data includes all qualified nurses employed by NHS trusts, primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and foundation trusts in England. It excludes agency nurses. 3. Foundation trusts do not submit a breakdown of their pay bill by staff group. Figures from 2004-05 onwards include estimates for the breakdown of each foundation trust. 4. Average earnings have been expressed in real terms using the HM Treasury gross domestic product deflator index. 5. Figures for the median earnings and breakdown by region are not available. Sources: Department of Health pay bill Model 2008-09 Trust Financial Returns and Foundation Trust Annual Reports (pay bill data) Information Centre Workforce Census (staff numbers)