Educational Psychologist Salary UK 2026/27

Understanding the educational psychologist salary is essential for anyone considering this career or converting an hourly offer into annual pay. Educational psychologists (EPs) in the UK are primarily employed by local authorities (LAs) and paid on the Soulbury pay scales, though some work in NHS settings on Agenda for Change bands. This guide explains the current pay structure, how to convert hourly rates to annual salary, and what to expect with London weighting.

Soulbury Pay Scales for Qualified EPs

The Soulbury Report (Blue Book 2024) sets out pay for educational psychologists in England and Wales. Qualified EPs are placed on Scale A, which runs from point 1 to point 14 (with additional SPA points). For 2026/27, the national scale is estimated to start at approximately £46,234 and rise to £71,166 at point 14. Senior and Principal EPs have a separate scale reaching up to £86,587 (point 21). These figures are based on the 2023 rates published in the Soulbury Report, uplifted by subsequent pay awards.

Local authorities have discretion to appoint above the minimum and can award up to three SPA points, allowing progression to higher points within the scale. Annual increments are paid on 1 September each year.

Converting Hourly Rates to Annual Salary

Most EPs are salaried, not hourly. However, if you see an hourly rate (e.g., for locum work or agency placements), you can convert it using the standard formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × contracted hours per week × 52 weeks

For a typical full-time EP working 37.5 hours per week:

• £25/hr → £25 × 37.5 × 52 = £48,750/yr
• £30/hr → £30 × 37.5 × 52 = £58,500/yr
• £35/hr → £35 × 37.5 × 52 = £68,250/yr

Use our Hourly to Salary tool for quick calculations. Remember that salaried EPs also receive holiday pay, sick pay, and pension contributions, which are not always included in locum hourly rates.

London Weighting

EPs working in London receive a supplement on top of the Soulbury scale. Inner London adds approximately 20%, Outer London about 15%. For example, a qualified EP on point 1 (£46,234 national) would earn roughly £55,481 in Inner London. Senior EPs in London can earn over £78,000. The exact rates are set by each local authority and listed in Appendix B of the Soulbury Report.

NHS Settings

Some EPs work in NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or hospital settings. These posts are typically on Agenda for Change bands. For 2026/27, NHS Employers published:

• Band 7: £43,742–£55,579
• Band 8a: £50,952–£57,349

NHS roles may offer different progression and pension arrangements (NHS Pension Scheme) compared to Soulbury posts.

Trainee Educational Psychologist Pay

Trainee EPs (TEPs) on the three-year doctoral programme are employed by LAs and paid on a separate Soulbury scale. For 2026/27, trainee salaries are estimated at £29,000–£37,500 depending on year of training. London placements attract weighting. TEPs are not paid pro rata for part-time hours; they receive the full annual salary for the contracted days (typically three days per week in year two, four days in year three).

Pension and Take-Home Pay

Educational psychologists are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a defined-benefit pension. Employee contributions are tiered: 6.5% on income between £27,601 and £44,900, and 7.5% on income above that. Employer contributions are around 19.7%. This means a qualified EP on £46,234 would contribute about £3,005 per year to their pension, reducing take-home pay accordingly.

Aftertax.org.uk estimates take-home pay for a qualified EP (national) at £36,808 per year (£3,067 per month), assuming standard tax and NI. For a senior EP on £65,000, take-home is around £48,257 per year (£4,021 per month).

Private Practice and Locum Work

Some EPs work independently, charging day rates of £500–£900. While this can exceed LA equivalent earnings, it comes without pension benefits, sick pay, or job security. Locum rates are often quoted hourly or daily, and conversion to annual salary requires careful consideration of unpaid time and overheads.

Summary

The educational psychologist salary in the UK varies by role, location, and experience. Qualified EPs on Soulbury scales earn between £46,234 and £71,166 nationally, with senior roles up to £86,587. London weighting adds 15–20%. NHS roles pay £43,742–£57,349. For hourly conversions, use the 37.5-hour week × 52 formula. Always check your contract and official guidance from GOV.UK.

For more salary comparisons, see our salary articles and salary data pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert an educational psychologist hourly rate to an annual salary?

Most educational psychologists are salaried, not paid by the hour. To convert a hypothetical hourly rate to annual, multiply by contracted hours per week (typically 37.5) and then by 52 weeks. For example, £25 per hour × 37.5 × 52 = £48,750 per year. Always check your contract for actual hours and any unpaid breaks. Use our hourly calculator for quick conversions.

What is the typical educational psychologist salary with London weighting?

Inner London weighting adds about 20% to the Soulbury scale. A qualified EP on point 1 (national £46,234) would earn roughly £55,481 in Inner London. Outer London adds around 15%. Senior EPs in London can earn over £78,000. The exact supplement depends on the local authority and is set out in Appendix B of the Soulbury Report.

Do trainee educational psychologists get paid during their doctorate?

Yes. Trainee Educational Psychologists (TEPs) are employed by local authorities during the three-year doctoral programme. Pay is on a separate Soulbury scale, typically around £29,000–£37,500 per year depending on year of training and location. London placements attract weighting. TEPs are not paid pro rata for part-time hours; they receive the full annual salary for the contracted days.