NHS Speech and Language Therapist Salary 2026/27
Speech and language therapists work with children and adults across the NHS. Here is the pay at each band and how careers usually develop.
Updated · 4 min read
Try it with your own numbersNHS Take-Home Pay CalculatorSpeech and language therapists (SLTs) support people with communication and swallowing difficulties, from children with speech delay to adults after a stroke. In the NHS, SLTs work in hospitals, community clinics, schools, mental health services and people's homes. Pay follows the Agenda for Change scale, and the profession is registered with the HCPC.
SLT pay by band in 2026/27
| Band | Typical role | Salary range |
|---|---|---|
| Band 3 or 4 | SLT assistant or assistant practitioner | £25,760 to £31,157 |
| Band 5 | newly qualified SLT | £32,073 to £39,043 |
| Band 6 | specialist SLT | £39,959 to £48,117 |
| Band 7 | highly specialist SLT or team lead | £49,387 to £56,515 |
| Band 8a | clinical lead or advanced specialist | £57,528 to £64,750 |
| Band 8b and above | consultant SLT or head of service | from £66,582 |
What SLTs take home
| Stage | Salary | Take-home per month | With Plan 2 loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 5 entry | £32,073 | £2,040 | £2,020 |
| Band 5 after 2 years | £34,592 | £2,177 | £2,138 |
| Band 6 entry | £39,959 | £2,430 | £2,350 |
| Band 7 entry | £49,387 | £2,934 | £2,784 |
Figures are for full-time hours with the NHS Pension and tax code 1257L.
Your first year: the NQP framework
Newly qualified SLTs follow the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' NQP framework, with support and supervision during the first year. Completing it is not a pay step in itself, but it is an important part of becoming eligible for Band 6 posts.
Paediatrics or adults?
The pay scale is the same in both, but the work and hours differ:
- Paediatric SLTs often work in community clinics and schools, usually during weekday hours. Many work part time or term time.
- Adult acute SLTs work on hospital wards, especially stroke and critical care, where weekend services are more common. Weekend hours on Bands 5 to 7 are enhanced by 30% on Saturdays and 60% on Sundays.
Part-time and term-time working
Speech and language therapy has a high proportion of part-time staff. If you work 30 hours a week on Band 6 entry, your salary is £31,967 and your take-home about £2,034 a month. Your pension contribution falls to 8.3% because it is based on actual pay. The part-time pay calculator shows any pattern, and our flexible working guide explains how to request one.
Independent practice
Many experienced SLTs work independently, or combine an NHS post with private work, often with children. Independent rates vary widely. When comparing, remember the NHS package includes the employer pension contribution of 23.7% of salary, sick pay of up to six months' full pay, and up to 33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
Tax relief for SLTs
Your HCPC registration fee and RCSLT membership are both on HMRC's approved list for tax relief. If you have never claimed, you can usually backdate claims for four tax years. See our tax rebate guide.
Becoming an SLT
You need an HCPC-approved degree in speech and language therapy, either a three or four-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate master's degree. Students in England can usually claim the NHS Learning Support Fund. Degree apprenticeships are also offered in some areas.
Common questions
Is an SLT paid the same as a physiotherapist? Yes, on the same band.
Do SLTs in schools get school holidays? Only if they work on a term-time contract. Standard NHS posts have normal annual leave.
Can I go straight to Band 6 with a master's degree? No. Pre-registration master's graduates also start on Band 5.
SLTs in schools and education settings
Many children's SLTs work in schools, but not all of them are NHS employees. Some are employed by local authorities, academy trusts or independent providers, on their own pay scales and terms. When you compare posts, check:
- who the employer is, and whether the post uses Agenda for Change bands
- the pension scheme, which may be the Local Government Pension Scheme or a private scheme instead of the NHS Pension
- leave and sick pay, which may follow local authority or company terms
- whether the post is term-time only, which changes your annual pay but can suit family life
Previous non-NHS service does not automatically count towards NHS leave and sick pay entitlements, although some employers recognise it.
Work out your pay
Use the take-home pay calculator with your band, hours and loan plan.
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.