Fertility services jobs in the UK are under mounting pressure. While demand for treatment continues to rise, providers are contending with steep wage inflation, persistent workforce shortages, and increased competition from overseas markets.
Compass Associates 2026 Consumer Health Salary Benchmarking Report reveals that fertility is now one of the most expensive clinical specialties to recruit into, and it’s not just about pay. Clinicians in this field are seeking more than a salary. They want professional development, stability, and a clear career trajectory — things that some UK clinics are struggling to consistently deliver.
Salaries are rising within fertility services jobs, but not evenly
Over the past 12 months, pay rates for fertility professionals have jumped across the board. This trend is being driven by:
- Limited domestic talent pools
- Post-pandemic demand growth
- An increasingly competitive international market
Average salaries in fertility services jobs (2026)
|
Role |
London |
Regional (SW/NW/NE/Midlands/Scotland) |
|
Fertility Nurse / Midwife (Band 5) |
£35,000 – £45,000 |
£29,970 – £36,483 |
|
Senior Fertility Nurse / Midwife (Band 6) |
£45,000 – £58,000 |
£37,338 – £46,000 |
Source: Compass Associates Consumer Health Salary Benchmarking Report 2026
This rapid wage growth is squeezing smaller providers, especially independent clinics where many of whom are unable to compete with the broader benefits packages offered by large groups or international employers.
Keeping up with the evolving expectations of candidates
Today’s fertility professionals – from nurses to embryologists – are also placing increasing value on:
- CPD funding and structured training programmes
- Research opportunities and academic affiliations
- Advanced technology and well-resourced environments
- Work-life balance and meaningful patient care
Clinicians are drawn to roles that offer purpose, progression, and a platform for professional growth, not just pay.
“Clinicians want to work where they can grow and make an impact,” says Jamie Cutts Divisional Manager at Compass Associates. “If your clinic isn’t offering CPD or career progression, you’re not just losing talent – you’re invisible to it.”
Competition across International borders
These providers are increasingly attracting both patients and clinical talent with:
- Cutting-edge facilities
- Higher salary ceilings
- International CPD exposure
Further afield, The UAE – and Dubai in particular – is a thriving and growing location for private fertility services, attracting both local residents and international patients.
The combination of modern fertility laws, world-class clinic infrastructure, relatively competitive pricing, and medical tourism‑level services makes it a top-ranked destination within the region and beyond.
As a result, the UK is not only struggling to attract new clinical talent, it’s also losing experienced professionals to international competitors.
So what can UK Fertility clinics do to attract and retain more candidates?
To remain competitive, UK-based providers must go beyond salary and invest in building sustainable, attractive working environments. This includes:
- · Strengthening Employer Value Proposition – Make your clinic stand out. Highlight your mission, culture, career pathways, and flexibility to appeal to candidates seeking more than just a job.
- · Offering Structured Career Development – From training budgets to mentorship and promotion routes — professional growth is a top priority for fertility clinicians.
- · Leveraging Specialist Recruitment Partners – With the talent pool so limited, proactive outreach through sector-specialist recruiters gives you access to passive and hard-to-reach candidates.
- · Improving Onboarding and Retention – With attrition rates rising, retention is as important as recruitment. Ensure new starters are supported and invested in from day one.
Conclusion: Fertility services need to compete smarter, not just harder
The fertility sector is evolving rapidly and clinics must do the same. Wage inflation is only one symptom of a deeper shift in clinician expectations and labour market competition.
Those who respond by investing in their people, processes, and employer reputation will be best positioned to weather the storm and thrive.
Looking for your next role in fertility services?
Our Healthcare division is dedicated to mid-to-senior level management and clinical recruitment across the UK’s private acute, consumer health, digital health, diagnostics, primary care, secondary care, and community sectors.
Need help hiring in a competitive market?
At Compass Associates, we partner with fertility providers across the UK to help benchmark salaries, shape recruitment strategy, and secure the clinical talent they need to grow.