The Difference
A Teacher earns £2,946 more per year before tax. After tax, the difference is £2,121/year or £177/month.
See full breakdowns: Nurse salary · Teacher salary
Training and Qualification Comparison
Nurse: 3 years (nursing degree). Average salary: £29,000/year.
Teacher: 4+ years (degree + PGCE). Average salary: £33,000/year.
Pension and Benefits
Nurses typically receive: NHS Pension (20.68% employer). Teachers typically receive: Teachers' Pension (28.68% employer). Pension benefits can add 15-30% to the effective value of a salary, making them an important factor when comparing career options. Public sector pensions (NHS, Teachers', Police) are generally more generous than most private sector equivalents.
Which Career Pays More Long-Term?
Starting salaries for nurses and teachers are similar (within £3,000). The long-term earning trajectory, pension value, job satisfaction, and work-life balance may be more important factors than starting salary when choosing between these careers. See detailed breakdowns: Nurse salary and Teacher salary.
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