Clinical psychologist salary 2026/27
Clinical psychology is one of the longest routes into an NHS career, but also one of the few where your doctorate is paid for and you earn a salary while you train.
From assistant to consultant
| Stage | Band | Salary from | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant psychologist (before training) | Band 4 | £28,392 | £1,874 |
| Trainee clinical psychologist | Band 6 | £39,959 | £2,430 |
| Newly qualified clinical psychologist | Band 7 | £49,387 | £2,934 |
| Senior clinical psychologist | Band 8a | £57,528 | £3,353 |
| Principal clinical psychologist | Band 8b | £66,582 | £3,742 |
| Consultant clinical psychologist | Band 8c | £79,504 | £4,226 |
England, full time 37.5 hours, NHS Pension, tax code 1257L. Assistant psychologist posts are sometimes Band 5.
Paid training
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology takes three years. In England, trainees are employed by an NHS trust on Band 6, starting at £39,959, about £2,430 a month after deductions, and the course fees are covered. That is rare for a doctorate and is the main reason places are so competitive.
Qualified pay
| Band and step | Salary | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|
| Band 7, entry | £49,387 | £2,934 |
| Band 7, intermediate | £51,932 | £3,078 |
| Band 7, top | £56,515 | £3,309 |
| Band 8a, entry | £57,528 | £3,353 |
| Band 8a, intermediate | £60,417 | £3,477 |
| Band 8a, top | £64,750 | £3,663 |
| Band 8b, entry | £66,582 | £3,742 |
| Band 8b, intermediate | £70,896 | £3,863 |
| Band 8b, top | £77,368 | £4,136 |
Newly qualified psychologists start on Band 7, but many move to Band 8a within a couple of years, as most experienced NHS psychologist posts are graded 8a or above. Consultant psychologists who lead services are Band 8c or 8d.
In Scotland, Band 7 starts at £52,845 on a 36-hour week, in Wales at £50,129 and in Northern Ireland at £47,810.
What clinical psychologists do
Clinical psychologists help people with psychological distress and mental health problems, using evidence-based therapies and a detailed understanding of why someone is struggling. A big part of the job is also supporting other staff to work in psychologically informed ways.
- Carrying out psychological assessments, including formal testing.
- Delivering therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and others.
- Working with families, couples and groups as well as individuals.
- Supervising and consulting with other professionals.
- Leading research, audit and service development.
The route in
- A psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (or a conversion course).
- Relevant experience, often one to three years as an assistant psychologist or in related roles.
- A place on a three-year doctorate in clinical psychology.
- Registration with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist.
Psychologists work alongside mental health nurses, psychiatrists and occupational therapists, especially in community mental health teams.
Common questions
How much does a clinical psychologist earn in the NHS?
£49,387 when newly qualified, rising to £77,368 at the top of Band 8b, in England from April 2026.
Are trainee clinical psychologists paid?
Yes. In England they are employed on Band 6 for the three years of the doctorate, with fees paid.
What band is a senior clinical psychologist?
Usually Band 8a. Principal psychologists are typically 8b, and consultants 8c or 8d.
What does an assistant psychologist earn?
Usually Band 4 or 5, from £28,392 in England.
How long does it take to become a clinical psychologist?
Usually at least six years after school, and often longer: a three-year degree, experience, then a three-year doctorate.