Health and Social Care (HSC) is Northern Ireland's biggest employer, and the five HSC Trusts (Belfast, South Eastern, Southern, Northern and Western) recruit nurses and midwives all year. Private hospitals, care homes and nursing agencies add to that. The jobs below come from private providers, agencies and employers who list with us. Trust vacancies are advertised on jobs.hscni.net.
Nursing pay in Northern Ireland (indicative)
Most HSC nursing roles follow the Agenda for Change bands. These ranges are indicative figures from our healthcare salary guide, not official pay points. Private, bank and agency pay is set separately and can be higher, especially for nights and hard-to-fill specialisms.
| Role | Typical range | Typical average |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Band 5) | £28,000 – £34,000 | £31,000 |
| Senior Nurse / Specialist (Band 6–7) | £34,000 – £46,000 | £40,000 |
| Mental Health Nurse | £30,000 – £44,000 | £37,000 |
| Theatre Nurse / ODP | £31,000 – £46,000 | £39,000 |
| Ward / Nurse Manager | £44,000 – £58,000 | £50,000 |
How to apply for a nursing job in Northern Ireland
- Check your registration. Registered nurse and midwife roles need current NMC registration. If you trained outside the UK, start registration early.
- Apply to the Trusts through HSC. Trust posts are advertised on jobs.hscni.net. They usually shortlist from the application form, so address each criterion on the form.
- Also look at private and agency work. Care homes, private hospitals and agencies recruit all year, often with more flexible shifts. The roles on this page are from those employers.
- Consider a support-role route. Healthcare assistant and support worker jobs are a common way into the sector.
More detail: Top nursing and healthcare jobs in Northern Ireland · Public sector jobs in Northern Ireland and how to apply.
Nursing jobs FAQ
What is the average nurse salary in Northern Ireland?
Most HSC nursing roles are paid on the Agenda for Change bands. Our healthcare salary guide puts a Band 5 registered nurse at around £28,000 to £34,000 (about £31,000 on average) and Band 6 to 7 senior and specialist nurses at around £40,000 on average. These are indicative figures, not official pay points. Bank, agency and night work can pay more.
Do I need NMC registration to work as a nurse in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Registered nurse and midwife roles require current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). If you trained outside the UK, start the registration process, including any required assessment, before you apply, because delays here are a common reason applications stall.
Where are nursing jobs advertised in Northern Ireland?
The five Health and Social Care Trusts (Belfast, South Eastern, Southern, Northern and Western) advertise on the HSC recruitment portal at jobs.hscni.net. Private hospitals, care homes and nursing agencies advertise separately, and the private and agency listings we find are shown on this page.
Can I get into nursing without a nursing degree?
Healthcare assistant and support worker roles are a common way in, and some Trusts support staff who want to train as nurses. Check the Trust or employer for the routes it currently offers.
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