Nursing auxiliaries and assistants Salary
Median salary £24,761 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £25,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For nursing auxiliaries and assistants, £29,084 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -26% versus the national average. Experienced nursing auxiliaries and assistants (top 25%) earn over £30,410.
About this role
Veterinary nurses and assistants provide clinical care to animals, assisting veterinary surgeons with surgery, administering treatments, monitoring recovery and advising animal owners. Registered veterinary nurses hold RCVS registration and perform a defined scope of procedures.
Key responsibilities
- Assisting during veterinary surgery and procedures
- Administering medications and monitoring anaesthesia
- Providing nursing care to hospitalised animals
- Conducting diagnostic tests and imaging
- Advising clients on animal health and welfare
Qualifications and entry routes
Registered Veterinary Nurses require an RCVS-approved qualification and RCVS registration. Veterinary care assistants work under VN supervision without formal registration. RVN title is legally protected.
Career outlook
Significant workforce shortage with high vacancy rates. Advanced practitioner roles and expanded scope of practice are improving career pathways and retention.
Key skills
Common industries
- Small animal veterinary practices
- Equine veterinary hospitals
- Referral centres
- Emergency and out-of-hours services
- Zoo and wildlife centres
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£9,547
0-2 years
Mid Level
£16,283
3-7 years
Senior
£30,410
8-15 years
Leadership
£35,661
15+ years
Potential career growth: ▲ +274% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 13.8%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£4,323
Nursing auxiliaries and assistants salary: common questions
How much do nursing auxiliaries and assistants earn in the UK?
Is £29,084 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for nursing auxiliaries and assistants?
How much do the highest-paid nursing auxiliaries and assistants earn?
Have nursing auxiliaries and assistants salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for nursing auxiliaries and assistants?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).