Whether you're moving from the NHS or negotiating your next private role, knowing the market rate is half the battle. These 2026 ranges are compiled from private-practice job listings, industry data and regulatory workforce reports. Treat them as a starting point — your experience, location and the practice's model all move the number.
Private practice salaries by discipline (2026)
| Role | Typical UK range (£/yr) | London / South East |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic nurse prescriber | £38,000–£58,000 + commission | +15–25% |
| Experienced vet (3+ yrs) | £42,000–£65,000 | +10–20% |
| Registered veterinary nurse | £24,000–£32,000 | +10–15% |
| IP optometrist | £52,000–£68,000 | +10–20% |
| MSK physiotherapist (2+ yrs) | £35,000–£50,000 | +10–20% |
| Salaried private GP | £85,000–£140,000 | +10–20% |
| Practice nurse (private) | £32,000–£48,000 | +15–25% |
London and the South East typically add 15–25% to base figures; Northern England, Scotland and Wales often sit 5–10% below. Demand matters too: in shortage disciplines like optometry (a projected 2,000-practitioner shortfall by 2030) and veterinary (EU registrants down 68% post-Brexit), candidates can negotiate at the higher end.
Employed vs self-employed
Many private roles — especially in aesthetics and dentistry — are self-employed or associate arrangements rather than salaried. These commonly run on a commission split (often 40–60% to the practitioner) or a day rate (£350–£550/day in aesthetics, for example). The headline can look higher, but factor in that you cover your own indemnity, pension and time off.
What to negotiate beyond salary
- CPD budget — £500–£2,000/year is the expected range
- Indemnity cover — confirm who pays and the limit
- Commission structure — especially in aesthetics, where it can add 30–50% to base
- Clinical supervision and progression — particularly if you're earlier in your career
- Flexibility — sessions, locations, and diary control
Get the full salary benchmark
Download the UK Private Practice Salary Benchmark 2026 — detailed ranges across five disciplines, with regional adjustments — free at thepracticestandard.co.uk/salary-benchmark.
Find private practice roles — free
Know your worth, then find the role. Create a free account to browse private-practice roles across every discipline. Always free for professionals.