Nurses: Pay Mrs. Humble To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average salary of a nurse in the NHS was in the latest year for which information is available. Ann Keen The average salary for a nurse in the national health service in 2009 was £33,300. Notes: In the context of this answer the term “Nurse in the NHS” has been interpreted as a qualified nurse. Average earnings figure.* Source: * NHS Information Centre NHS Staff Earnings July-September 2009.