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Locum allied health professional pay 2026/27

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, sonographers, speech and language therapists and other allied health professionals (AHPs) are paid on Agenda for Change in the NHS. Here's how locum rates compare with those salaries.

Typical AHP bands

RoleTypical band
Newly qualified physiotherapist, OT, radiographer, SLT, dietitianBand 5
Experienced or specialist AHP, sonographer (entry)Band 6
Advanced or highly specialist AHP, team lead, sonographerBand 7
Consultant AHP, service lead, advanced clinical practitionerBand 8a and above

Salary vs locum break-even rates

Band and pay pointSalarySalaried hourlyLocum break-evenInc. pension
Band 5 entry£32,073£16.40£17.26£24.44
Band 5 intermediate£34,592£17.69£18.61£26.36
Band 5 top£39,043£19.97£20.62£29.77
Band 6 entry£39,959£20.44£21.11£30.63
Band 6 intermediate£42,170£21.57£22.27£32.73
Band 6 top£48,117£24.61£25.41£38.36
Band 7 entry£49,387£25.26£26.08£39.56
Band 7 intermediate£51,932£26.56£27.51£42.07
Band 7 top£56,515£28.90£29.79£46.67
Band 8a entry£57,528£29.42£30.32£47.51
Band 8a intermediate£60,417£30.90£31.84£49.89
Band 8a top£64,750£33.11£34.13£53.47

England, full time (37.5 hours), 35 days' paid leave, PAYE locum with no NHS pension. "Inc. pension" also makes up for the value of NHS pension contributions you'd give up.

What locum AHPs are paid

Locum AHP rates vary by profession, specialty and location. Imaging roles (radiography, sonography, MRI and CT) and community or specialist roles that are hard to fill often pay the most. Some recruiters publish the rates they advertise. For example, Pure Healthcare's radiographer salary guide sets NHS radiographer pay by band alongside its advertised locum rates and London weighting. Its pay band comparison does the same across all bands.

Whatever the rate, compare it on the same basis:

  1. Use the locum vs salaried calculator with realistic weeks worked (44 to 46 is common).
  2. If you're paid through an umbrella company, check what the rate is worth after its deductions with the umbrella vs PAYE calculator. GOV.UK explains how umbrella companies work.
  3. Add up any travel and accommodation costs the rate has to cover.

London and high cost area supplements

Salaried NHS staff in and around London get a high cost area supplement on top of basic pay: 20% for inner London, 15% for outer London and 5% for the fringe, each with a minimum and maximum. Locum rates in London are usually higher to match.

Requirements for locum AHP work

You'll need current HCPC registration, an enhanced DBS check, mandatory training, references and proof of right to work. See our guide to becoming a locum.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a locum physiotherapist earn?
Locum physiotherapist rates depend on band, specialty and location. A Band 6 physiotherapist's NHS salary of £39,959 to £48,117 works out at £20.44 to £24.61 an hour. A PAYE locum rate of about £30.63 an hour or more matches a Band 6 entry salary including the value of the NHS pension.
What band are most locum allied health professionals?
Most locum AHP roles are Band 5 to Band 7. Band 6 is the most common level for experienced physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and speech and language therapists working as locums.
Do locum AHPs need HCPC registration?
Yes. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, speech and language therapists, paramedics, dietitians and other allied health professionals must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise in the UK, whether employed or working as a locum.

Sources

Last updated .