Radiographer Pay UK 2026/27
Radiographer pay generally follows NHS Agenda for Change, but shortages in specialist imaging areas support faster progression and stronger offers. Private employers often pay a premium to attract experienced Band 6-7 staff.
At a Glance
- Newly Qualified (Band 5)£2,218 / moof £32,073 gross a year
- Specialist Radiographer (Band 6–7)£3,005 / moof £45,186 gross a year
- Consultant Radiographer / Advanced Practitioner (Band 7–8b)£3,635 / moof £57,000 gross a year
Both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers are HCPC-registered and usually paid under NHS Agenda for Change, with the Society of Radiographers continuing to argue for Band 6 entry rather than Band 5.
Workforce shortages in CT, MRI, and interventional radiology strengthen bargaining power for experienced staff across NHS and private settings.
Private providers such as Nuffield, Spire, and Alliance Medical often offer a 10–15% premium over NHS rates for Band 6-7 talent.
Radiographer Salary Breakdown UK 2026/27
The table below shows typical radiographer salaries across experience levels and regions, alongside estimated take-home pay after income tax and National Insurance. Click any gross salary figure to open it in the calculator.
| Level | National Gross | National Take-Home | Monthly (National) | London Gross | London Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newly Qualified (Band 5) | £32,073 | £26,613 | £2,218 | £38,488 | £31,232 |
| Specialist Radiographer (Band 6–7) | £45,186 | £36,055 | £3,005 | £53,932 | £41,838 |
| Consultant Radiographer / Advanced Practitioner (Band 7–8b) | £57,000 | £43,618 | £3,635 | £65,746 | £48,690 |
Income Tax and National Insurance in 2026/27
Like all UK workers, radiographers salaries are subject to income tax and National Insurance (NI) contributions. In the 2026/27 tax year:
| Up to £12,570 | 0% (Personal Allowance) |
| £12,571 – £50,270 | 20% (Basic Rate) |
| £50,271 – £125,140 | 40% (Higher Rate) |
| Above £125,140 | 45% (Additional Rate) |
| Up to £12,570 | 0% |
| £12,570 – £50,270 | 8% |
| Above £50,270 | 2% |
| - | - |
Use the calculator above to see your exact take-home pay after all deductions, including pension contributions and student loan repayments if applicable.
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Explore your finances
Model your expenses, project your wealth, and find your path to financial independence, using the pay figures above.
Financial independence
- In today's money, you'll have at least £21,600 / year (£1,800 / month) when you stop working at 66 - just from your savings
- In real terms, that's £38,340 / year (£3,195 / month)
- That means all your outgoings are covered without having to make any further contributions!
- You may be able to retire earlier - try adjusting the retirement age field
Where your £3,766 a month goes
- Essentials£1,750
- Everything else£500
- Tax and NI£708
- Pension£188
- Left to invest in your ISA£619
Projected wealth
Estimated income over 50 years, in today's money, with a 5% annual return and 0.35% yearly platform and fund fees.
Projected pension
Your pension pot over 31 years at three growth rates, after 0.35% fees, in today's money.
Calculations
- FI Target = Annual outgoings (£21,600) * Years needed for 4.00% SWR (25.00) = £540,000
- Invested annual pension = £3,615
- Invested annual surplus = £7,428
- Inflation of 2.5% / year
- Assumes New State Pension, payments increasing with inflation (2.5% / year)
- Assumes student loans last 30 years max
- Assumes a flex-drawdown pension for illustration purposes
- Assumes you draw down pension up to the higher rate bracket (£50,270), then draw down your S&S ISA
- Pension lump sums are not included