Understanding the Radiographer Salary in the UK

If you are exploring a career in radiography or looking to benchmark your pay, knowing the radiographer salary landscape is essential. Radiographers are allied health professionals who use imaging technology (X-ray, CT, MRI) to diagnose and treat patients. In the UK, most diagnostic radiographers work for the NHS under the Agenda for Change pay system, though private sector and locum roles also exist.

This guide covers NHS pay bands, the national median from the Office for National Statistics, how to convert hourly rates to annual salaries, and what affects take-home pay.

NHS Pay Bands for Diagnostic Radiographers (2026/27)

The NHS uses Agenda for Change bands. For diagnostic radiographers, the typical career path is:

• Band 5 – Newly qualified radiographer
• Band 6 – Specialist radiographer (e.g., CT, MRI modality lead)
• Band 7 – Advanced or reporting radiographer
• Band 8a – Consultant radiographer (less common)

According to NHS Employers pay scales for 2026/27, the annual salaries are:

Band	Entry point	Top of band	Hourly rate (top)
5	£32,073	£39,043	£19.97
6	£39,959	£48,117	£24.61
7	£49,387	£56,515	£28.90

These rates are based on a standard 37.5-hour week. Part-time radiographers receive a pro-rata salary. The hourly rate is calculated as annual salary ÷ (37.5 × 52). For example, Band 6 top: £48,117 ÷ 1,950 = £24.61 per hour.

National Median Radiographer Salary (ONS ASHE)

The Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) provides a broader picture. For medical radiographers (SOC 2254), the 2025 provisional median full-time annual salary is £44,324. This equates to approximately £21.31 per hour if you assume a 2,080-hour year (40-hour week). However, many radiographers work 37.5 hours, so the hourly equivalent on that basis would be higher: £44,324 ÷ 1,950 ≈ £22.73 per hour.

The middle half of radiographers earn between £34,077 and £53,019 per year, reflecting the difference between entry-level and experienced specialists.

Hourly to Annual Conversion: What You Need to Know

When comparing job offers or calculating your worth, it is vital to understand the conversion. The standard formula is:

Annual salary = hourly rate × hours per week × 52

For NHS radiographers on 37.5 hours/week:

• £19.97/hr × 37.5 × 52 = £39,043 (Band 5 top)
• £24.61/hr × 37.5 × 52 = £48,117 (Band 6 top)
• £28.90/hr × 37.5 × 52 = £56,515 (Band 7 top)

If you work part-time, simply use your contracted hours. For example, a Band 6 radiographer working 30 hours per week would earn: £24.61 × 30 × 52 = £38,391.60 per year.

Use our Hourly to Salary calculator to quickly convert any rate.

London Weighting and Other Allowances

Radiographers in London receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). For 2026/27:

• Inner London: 20% of basic salary (min £5,794, max £8,746)
• Outer London: 15% (min £4,870, max £6,137)
• Fringe: 5% (min £1,346, max £2,270)

This is added to the band salary. So a Band 6 radiographer at top of band in Inner London could earn £48,117 + up to £8,746 = £56,863 total.

Overtime, unsocial hours (evenings, nights, weekends), and on-call payments are additional. These can significantly boost take-home pay but are not included in base salary figures.

Take-Home Pay After Tax and Pension

Your net pay depends on tax code, student loan, and pension contributions. For NHS radiographers, the standard pension contribution is around 9.3% of salary (depending on band). Using the 2026/27 tax bands (Personal Allowance £12,570, basic rate 20%, higher rate 40% above £50,270), estimated take-home pay for a Band 7 top (£56,515) is approximately £39,708 per year, or £3,309 per month. This excludes London weighting and student loan deductions.

For more detailed breakdowns, see our salary articles on NHS take-home pay.

Part-Time and Pro-Rata Considerations

Many radiographers work part-time. The NHS pays pro-rata based on full-time equivalent. For example, a Band 6 radiographer working 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours/week) would earn 60% of the full-time salary: £48,117 × 0.6 = £28,870.20 per year. Hourly rate remains the same.

When comparing part-time roles, always check the hourly rate rather than the annual figure to ensure fair pay.

Private Sector and Locum Radiographer Salaries

Private hospitals and independent clinics often pay higher hourly rates but may offer fewer benefits (pension, sick pay). Locum radiographers can earn £30–£45 per hour depending on demand and location. However, these roles are typically outside the NHS pension scheme and may involve irregular hours.

The ONS median of £44,324 includes all sectors, so private and locum pay can push earnings above that figure for experienced practitioners.

Summary

The radiographer salary in the UK ranges from around £32,000 for newly qualified NHS staff to over £56,000 for advanced practitioners, with the national median at £44,324. London weighting adds up to £8,746. Hourly rates vary from £16.40 (Band 5 entry) to £28.90 (Band 7 top) on NHS scales. Always consider your contracted hours, allowances, and benefits when evaluating a role.

For more salary data and comparisons, visit our salary data page. If you need to convert an hourly offer to annual, use the hourly calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a radiographer salary calculated from an hourly rate?

To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, multiply by the number of contracted hours per week and then by 52 weeks. For NHS radiographers on a standard 37.5-hour week, the formula is: hourly rate × 37.5 × 52. For example, £24.61 per hour (Band 6 top) gives £24.61 × 37.5 × 52 = £48,117 per year. If you work part-time, use your actual weekly hours. Always check your contract for any overtime or unsocial hours payments that may increase your total earnings.

What is the difference between the NHS radiographer salary and the ONS median?

The NHS salary for diagnostic radiographers follows Agenda for Change bands, with a clear progression from Band 5 (newly qualified) to Band 7 (advanced). The ONS ASHE median of £44,324 represents the midpoint for all full-time medical radiographers across the UK, including those in the NHS, private sector, and locum roles. The NHS Band 6 top (£48,117) is above the median, while Band 5 top (£39,043) is below. The median reflects a mix of experience levels and sectors.

Does London weighting affect a radiographer salary?

Yes. NHS radiographers working in London or the surrounding fringe areas receive a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). For 2026/27, Inner London trusts pay 20% of basic salary (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746), Outer London 15% (min £4,870, max £6,137), and Fringe 5% (min £1,346, max £2,270). This is added to the band salary. For example, a Band 6 radiographer at top of band (£48,117) in Inner London could receive up to £8,746 extra, making total pay around £56,863. Always check your trust's HCAS zone.