Diagnostic radiographer salary in the UK

5th September, 2024

Posted by Pulse Jobs

Allied health

General

Diagnostic radiographers are highly trained professionals who work with imaging technology to help diagnose and understand different conditions. If you’re wondering what a diagnostic radiographer salary in the UK is, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, you will find:

Overview – diagnostic radiographer salary in the UK
What qualifications do you need to become a diagnostic radiographer?
Diagnostic radiographer career progression
Explore diagnostic radiographer opportunities

Overview – diagnostic radiographer salary in the UK

The salary for a diagnostic radiographer falls into band 5 to band 8a on the NHS pay scale, with the opportunity to increase this if you become a consultant. The amount you earn will vary depending on the location and type of organisation you work in, NHS or private, or whether you’re on a permanent or locum contract. In the following sections, we explain the different NHS pay scales across the UK.

NHS England diagnostic radiographer salary

A diagnostic radiographer working for NHS in England earns a salary of £28,407 to £57,349. Newly qualified diagnostic radiographers start on band 5 of the pay scale. Once you have gained the relevant experience, you can progress to band 6 and band 7, and eventually band 8a to take on a managerial position.

Diagnostic radiographers’ pay within the NHS is determined by a 37.5-hour work week. Make sure to check the working hours and shift pattern of the role you’re applying for; this is because most diagnostic radiographer roles require you to be flexible to work irregular shift patterns. Pay can vary depending on your type of contract and any additional renumeration, such as the high cost area supplement or HCAS.

Band	Years of experience	Salary (£)
5	<2	28,407
	2-4	30,639
	4+	34,581
6	<2	35,392
	2-5	37,350
	5+	42,618
7	<2	43,742
	2-5	45,996
	5+	50,056
8a	<5	50,952
	5+	57,349

NHS Scotland diagnostic radiographer salary

The salary of a diagnostic radiographer working for NHS Scotland ranges from £28,384 to £57,767. All salaries on the NHS Scotland Agenda for Change are based on a 37-hour work week. Your take home pay is dependent on whether you work on a permanent or locum contract.

Band	Pay point	Salary (£)
5	1	28,384
	2	30,329
	3	35,365
6	1	35,522
	2	37,087
	3	43,286
7	1	43,422
	2	45,080
	3	50,506
8	1	53,513
	2	57,767

NHS Wales diagnostic radiographer salary

Working for NHS Wales, diagnostic radiographers will receive a salary ranging from £28,834 to £58,210. All salaries on the NHS Wales Agenda for Change are based on a 37.5-hour work week. Your salary will be different depending on whether you work a permanent or locum contract.

Band	Years of experience	Salary (£)
5	<2	28,834
	2-3	31,099
	3+	35,099
6	<2	35,922
	2-3	37,911
	3+	43,257
7	<2	44,398
	2-3	46,686
	3+	50,807
8	<5	51,706
	5+	58,210

Hourly pay of a locum diagnostic radiographer

Locum diagnostic radiographers typically earn £25 to £26 in a position equivalent to band 6, rising to £34 to £36 per hour in a band 8a role. Hourly pay rates for locum staff are set by the NHS staff bank, however, private healthcare providers may offer between £40 and £45.

Locum positions in diagnostic radiography will usually offer higher pay than permanent jobs and better flexibility. However, because locum posts are mostly time limited contracts or shift work, you won’t have the same income security that comes with a permanent position. You should consider these factors before applying to new roles.

In 2023, the vacancy rate for diagnostic radiographers rose from 12% to 13%, leading to increased waiting times for patients. This rise suggests that the demand for locum diagnostic radiographers will likely continue to persist or even increase.

What is the lowest salary for a diagnostic radiographer?

The lowest salary a newly qualified diagnostic radiographer will earn working for NHS England is £28,407 on band 6. Bare in mind that this figure is different for individuals working for NHS Scotland or NHS Wales.

What is the highest salary for a diagnostic radiographer?

The highest salary a diagnostic radiographer will earn working a substantive post in NHS England is £57,349 on band 8a. Those who have experience equating to band 8a and work on a locum contract can earn even more, up to £36 per hour.

What qualifications do you need to become a diagnostic radiographer?

To qualify as a diagnostic radiographer, you must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in diagnostic radiography. Graduate courses will take at least three years to complete. Similarly, you could complete a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiography. This course will also take three years to complete and combines both study and work. You could do a part-time degree apprenticeship, but the time to complete this may vary, so it’s best to do your research beforehand.

Entry requirement for diagnostic radiographer degrees include:

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

To enroll onto a Level 6 Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiography Degree Apprenticeship, you will need:

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent

It’s important you check when applying as universities set their own entry requirements and you may be able to join these courses via other routes and grades. Additionally, having some volunteering experience could help you to get onto your desired course.

Diagnostic radiographer is a protected title, and you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise once you have qualified. Misuse of the title could result in prosecution.

Diagnostic radiographer career progression

Once you have become a diagnostic radiographer, you will usually have annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) check-ins, where you can set personal goals and your supervisor will help plan for you to achieve them. You may also be encouraged to join the Society of Radiographers, where you can take training courses and join seminars to further develop your career.

As you progress your career, you could specialise in a particular type of imaging such as CT scanning or undertake further training to become a sonographer. Similarly, you could specialise in working with children, cancer patients or stroke patients.

You may find yourself working toward teaching or leading a radiography team, governing budgets and equipment. This is where you are likely to earn a band 8a salary.

Explore diagnostic radiographer opportunities with Pulse

At Pulse, we combine exciting roles and our unmatched experience to help diagnostic radiographers like you find their dream role. Register your interest to speak with a member of our team or browse our current diagnostic radiographer job listings to apply today.