If you’re considering a career as a Staff Nurse with the Health Service Executive (HSE), understanding the updated 2026 salary scale is essential. From 1 February 2026, public service pay adjustments under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 introduced a 1% increase (or €500 minimum, whichever is greater) to annual basic salaries.
Below is a clear breakdown of the HSE Staff Nurse salary scale for 2026, based on the official Consolidated Salary Scales.
HSE Staff Nurse Salary Scale 2026 (From 1 February 2026)
Grade: Staff Nurse (General / Mental Health aligned scale)
Effective Date: 1 February 2026
Point Annual Salary (€)
- 1 €37,506
- 2 €39,023
- 3 €40,548
- 4 €42,079
- 5 €43,617
- 6 €45,163
- 7 €46,714
- 8 €48,272
- 9 €49,838
- 10 €51,410
- 11 €53,000
- 12 €54,602
- 13 €56,215
- 14 €57,842
- 15 €59,482
- 16 €61,139
- 17 €62,815
- 18 €64,508
- 19 (Max) €66,216
Source: Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales (February 2026 Revision)
What Do the Salary Points Mean?
Staff Nurses progress incrementally through the salary scale:
- Point 1 applies on initial appointment.
- Annual increments apply subject to satisfactory service.
- Long Service Increments (LSIs) apply after reaching the maximum point.
- LSI 1 is paid after 3 years on the maximum.
- LSI 2 is paid after 3 additional years.
- LSI 3 is paid after a further 3 years.
Incremental credit may apply depending on previous public sector service or relevant experience.
Weekly Salary Calculation
To calculate the approximate weekly gross pay:
Annual Salary ÷ 52.18
Example (Point 1):
€37,506 ÷ 52.18 ≈ €718.64 per week (before tax)
Additional Earnings & Allowances
In addition to basic salary, HSE Staff Nurses may receive:
- Location allowances (where applicable)
- On-call allowances (approved grades only)
- Overtime payments
- Sunday and public holiday premium payments
- Shift allowances (where rostered)
All allowances must align strictly with the Department of Health approved scales .
Pension & Superannuation
HSE nurses are members of public service pension schemes. Pension benefits are calculated based on:
- Approved substantive grade salary
- Sanctioned pensionable allowances
- Length of reckonable service
Only approved salary scales can be used in calculating pensionable remuneration .
Key 2026 Pay Adjustment Explained
Effective 1 February 2026:
- Basic annual salary increased by 1% or €500 (whichever is greater)
- Allowances in the nature of pay increased by 1%
This adjustment forms part of the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 .
Is HSE Staff Nurse Pay Competitive?
The HSE salary scale offers:
- Structured incremental progression
- Job security within the public sector
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- Paid annual leave and sick leave entitlements
- Career progression pathways (CNM, ANP, CNS, etc.)
For many nurses in Ireland, the combination of salary stability, pension, and progression makes HSE roles highly attractive.
Official Salary Documents
For full details, consult:
