Mental health nurses Salary
Median salary £40,028 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
About this role
Mental health nurses provide clinical care to patients across a range of healthcare settings. They assess patient needs, plan and deliver nursing interventions, administer medications and support patients through treatment and recovery.
Key responsibilities
- Assessing patient health needs and developing care plans
- Administering medications and clinical treatments
- Monitoring patient progress and responding to changes in condition
- Supporting patients and families with health education
- Maintaining accurate clinical records and documentation
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires a nursing degree (BSc or postgraduate) approved by the NMC, followed by NMC registration. Specialist roles require additional postgraduate training and qualifications.
Career outlook
Severe workforce shortages across the UK, particularly in mental health, community and emergency nursing. Strong career progression opportunities into advanced practice and leadership.
Key skills
Common industries
- NHS
- Private hospitals
- Community health
- Mental health
- Care homes
Data coverage
Median Salary
£40,028
Mean Salary
£38,561
Jobs (000s)
20k
Data Years
5 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£31,368
0-2 years
Mid Level
£31,368
3-7 years
Senior
£45,647
8-15 years
Potential career growth: +46% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 14.8%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£40,028
Full-time Only
£42,692
Full-time premium: +£2,664
Where do I stand?
Compare your salary to others in this role.
Salary forecast
Project your earnings over the next 5-20 years.
Lifetime earnings
Calculate your total career earnings potential.
Stay updated on UK salary trends
Weekly insights on pay, careers, and the labour market. Free.