Understanding Radiography Salary UK in 2026/27

If you are considering a career in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography, or already working in the field, knowing the current radiography salary UK figures is essential for financial planning. Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, and whether you work full-time or part-time. This guide draws on official NHS pay scales, ONS ASHE data, and NHS earnings estimates to give you a clear picture of hourly and annual pay.

NHS Pay Bands for Diagnostic Radiographers

The majority of radiographers in the UK are employed by the NHS under the Agenda for Change pay system. For 2026/27, the bands relevant to diagnostic radiographers are:

• Band 5 – Newly qualified radiographers: annual salary from £32,073 (entry) to £39,043 (top step). Hourly rate from £16.40 to £19.97 (based on 37.5 hours/week).
• Band 6 – Senior radiographers and modality leads: annual salary from £39,959 to £48,117. Hourly rate from £20.44 to £24.61.
• Band 7 – Reporting radiographers and consultant radiographers: annual salary from £49,387 to £56,515. Hourly rate from £25.26 to £28.90.

These rates are effective from 1 April 2026 and include the annual pay award. The NHS Employers website publishes the full pay scales including higher cost area supplements (HCAS) for London and surrounding areas.

ONS ASHE National Median for Medical Radiographers

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025 provisional data gives a national median gross annual pay of £44,324 for medical radiographers (SOC code 2254). The median hourly rate is £24.83, based on a 40-hour full-time week (2,080 hours per year). This median means half of full-time radiographers earn more and half earn less. The mean annual pay is £43,386, and the 10th percentile is £26,085.

It is important to note that the ASHE median includes all full-time employees across the UK, both NHS and private sector, and excludes overtime and bonuses. The NHS Staff Earnings Estimates for March 2026 show a mean annual basic pay per full-time equivalent of £43,595, closely aligning with the ASHE mean.

Hourly to Annual Conversion: What You Need to Know

Converting an hourly rate to an annual salary depends on your contracted hours per week. The NHS standard full-time week is 37.5 hours, while many private sector roles and the ASHE benchmark use 40 hours. To convert:

• Annual salary = hourly rate × hours per week × 52
• Example: £20/hour × 37.5 hrs × 52 = £39,000/year
• Example: £24.83/hour (ASHE median) × 40 hrs × 52 = £51,646/year (but ASHE median annual is £44,324, reflecting that actual hours may differ)

For part-time radiographers, the annual salary is pro-rata based on your contracted hours. Use our Hourly to Salary tool to see your own figures.

Part-Time vs Full-Time Considerations

Many radiographers work part-time, especially in the NHS where flexible working is common. Your salary will be a proportion of the full-time band rate. For example, a Band 6 radiographer working 30 hours per week (80% of full-time) would earn 80% of £39,959 to £48,117. The hourly rate remains the same as the full-time equivalent for your band and step. Always check your contract for the exact hours and any overtime premiums.

London Weighting and Other Allowances

Radiographers working in NHS trusts within London and the South East receive HCAS payments. For inner London, this is 20% of basic salary, subject to a minimum of £5,794 and a maximum of £8,746 per year. Outer London receives 15%, and fringe areas 5%. These supplements increase both your hourly and annual pay. For example, a Band 6 top step radiographer in inner London would earn £48,117 plus up to £8,746 HCAS, totalling around £56,863.

Overtime, unsocial hours, and on-call duties attract additional payments, typically at time-and-a-half or double time. These are not included in the basic salary figures above.

Take-Home Pay After Deductions

Gross salary is not what lands in your bank account. After income tax, employee National Insurance, and the NHS pension contribution (typically 9.3% for standard membership), take-home pay is lower. For 2026/27, estimated take-home pay for diagnostic radiographers (excluding London weighting and overtime) is:

• Band 5 top step: £28,570 per year (£2,381 per month)
• Band 6 top step: £34,391 per year (£2,866 per month)
• Band 7 top step: £39,708 per year (£3,309 per month)

These figures assume no student loan deductions. If you have a student loan, your take-home will be slightly less. For more detailed breakdowns, see our salary articles on NHS take-home pay.

Summary

The radiography salary UK landscape in 2026/27 offers competitive pay, especially for experienced radiographers at Band 7 and above. The NHS remains the largest employer, with clear progression from Band 5 to Band 7 and beyond. The ONS ASHE median of £44,324 provides a useful national benchmark, but your actual earnings will depend on your band, step, location, and hours. Always use your contracted hours when converting hourly rates to annual salary, and remember that London weighting and overtime can significantly boost your income.

For personalised calculations, try our Hourly to Salary tool or explore our salary data for more occupations.