Elder started his career with his home-town team Hornchurch, and also played for Aveley, in the Isthmian League. He moved on to Billericay and was picked up from there by Brighton in January 2007 after the south coast club paida small transfer fee, rumouredto be £10,000, after being impressed with his talent during an Isthmian League match against Worthing.

After 22 games, mainly as sub, Elder joined Brentford in January 2008 for £35,000 after finding. During his time at Brighton, Nathan started three games, two in the league and one in the Football League Trophy), scoring twice for the club.

He scored for both sides on his debut against Mansfield Town as Brentford eventually won 3-2. Nathan went on to make 64 appearances, scoring 11 goals in the process. Last season, Elder's left eye socket and cheekbone were broken in an aerial collision with Rotherham midfielder Pablo Mills during a goalless draw at the Don Valley Stadium. On 3 August 2009 he signed for Shrewsbury Town on a three year deal for an undisclosed fee. Nathan is a big strong front man who does a lot of the unglamorous supply work for the other forwards. At the start of 2010 Nathan was sent on loan to AFC Wimbledon until the end of the season. Nathan is currently sidelined whilst recovering from a cruciate ligament operation; he is expected to return in early 2011.