NHS Radiographer Salary 2026/27: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pay

There are two kinds of radiographer. Diagnostic radiographers produce images, from X-rays to CT and MRI scans, to help diagnose illness and injury. Therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver radiotherapy for people with cancer. Both are registered with the HCPC and both are paid on the Agenda for Change scale, with similar career ladders.

Radiographer pay by band in 2026/27

Imaging assistants and radiography helpers are usually on Band 2 or 3. Assistant practitioners in imaging are often on Band 4.

What a radiographer takes home

These figures are for full-time work with the NHS Pension and tax code 1257L.

On-call, nights and weekends

Diagnostic imaging runs around the clock in hospitals with emergency departments. Radiographers may work a shift rota, an on-call rota, or both.

• Shift work attracts the standard unsocial hours enhancements: plus 30% for nights and Saturdays, plus 60% for Sundays and public holidays, for Bands 5 to 7.
• On-call is paid under local arrangements, with an availability payment for being on call and pay for hours actually worked when called in.

Radiotherapy departments mostly work extended weekday hours rather than nights, so therapeutic radiographers usually have fewer unsocial hours.

Specialising: CT, MRI and beyond

Many diagnostic radiographers move into a modality after a year or two at Band 5. CT and MRI are the most common, and specialist posts are often Band 6. Further routes include:

• Reporting radiographer, who reports on X-ray images after postgraduate training, usually Band 7
• Sonographer, which needs a postgraduate qualification in ultrasound, usually Band 7. See our sonographer salary guide.
• Advanced and consultant practitioner roles, at Band 7, 8a or above
• Management, from team leader to head of imaging

In therapeutic radiography, routes include treatment planning, pre-treatment, research, information and support roles, and advanced practice in areas such as review clinics.

Is radiography well paid compared with other professions?

Radiographers start on the same Band 5 as nurses, physiotherapists and other professions. The difference is how quickly specialist Band 6 and Band 7 posts become available. Imaging is a shortage area in many parts of the country, and specialist roles are often easier to reach than in some other professions.

Professional fees and uniform

Your HCPC fee and Society of Radiographers membership are both on HMRC's approved list for tax relief. Radiographers can also claim the flat rate for laundering a uniform. Our tax rebate guide shows how.

Students and apprentices

Radiography students in England can usually claim the NHS Learning Support Fund. Degree apprenticeships in diagnostic and therapeutic radiography are also available in many regions, paid while you train.

Common questions

Do radiographers get paid for being on call? Yes, under local on-call arrangements, plus pay for any time worked.

Is MRI paid more than CT? Not inherently. Pay depends on the band of the post.

Can I move straight to Band 6? Usually you need some post-registration experience first.

A radiographer's career in numbers

A simplified example at 2026/27 rates, for a diagnostic radiographer who moves into CT at Band 6 after two years and becomes a reporting radiographer on Band 7 after seven:

Annual pay awards usually lift every figure in the table, so actual salaries will be higher by the time you reach each stage. The pay progression calculator shows when your next step is due.

Check your own figures

The take-home pay calculator shows your monthly pay for any band and hours, and the shift pay calculator works out each shift.