Occupational therapist salary 2026/27
Occupational therapists (OTs) help people get back to the everyday activities that matter to them. In the NHS, they start on Band 5 and most reach Band 6 within a few years.
A newly qualified occupational therapist in England earns £32,073 from April 2026. That leaves about £2,040 a month after tax, National Insurance and the NHS Pension.
Rotations first, then specialising
Many new OTs start on a Band 5 rotational post, spending several months each in areas such as acute medicine, orthopaedics, mental health and community rehab. It is a good way to find the area you want to stay in. After two or three years, OTs typically apply for a Band 6 specialist post in one area, where pay in the middle of the band leaves about £2,548 a month. Highly specialist and team lead roles are Band 7, about £2,934 a month at entry.
| Band and step | Salary | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5, entry | £32,073 | £2,040 |
| Band 5, intermediate | £34,592 | £2,177 |
| Band 5, top | £39,043 | £2,381 |
| Band 6, entry | £39,959 | £2,430 |
| Band 6, intermediate | £42,170 | £2,548 |
| Band 6, top | £48,117 | £2,866 |
| Band 7, entry | £49,387 | £2,934 |
| Band 7, intermediate | £51,932 | £3,078 |
| Band 7, top | £56,515 | £3,309 |
England, full time 37.5 hours, NHS Pension, tax code 1257L.
Working part time
Occupational therapy has a lot of part-time staff. On three days a week, 22.5 hours, in the middle of Band 6, you would earn £25,302 a year and take home about £1,702 a month. Part-time staff on the NHS Pension pay contributions based on what they actually earn, which often means a lower rate.
Pay in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
| Nation | Salary | Full-time week | Take-home a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | £32,073 | 37.5 hours | £2,040 |
| Scotland | £34,544 | 36 hours | £2,167 |
| Wales | £32,557 | 37.5 hours | £2,067 |
| Northern Ireland | £31,049 | 37.5 hours | £1,980 |
OTs working for councils in social care are paid on local government pay scales instead. See council pay scales.
What occupational therapists do
The question OTs ask is not “what is wrong with you?” but “what do you need to be able to do?” That might be getting dressed after a stroke, going back to work after a mental health crisis, or a child managing in the classroom.
- Assessing everyday skills like washing, cooking, moving around and concentrating.
- Setting practical goals with each person and working on them together.
- Recommending equipment and adaptations at home or work.
- Making sure people can leave hospital safely, often visiting their home first.
- Teaching families and carers how to help.
Where OTs work
Hospitals, community teams, mental health services, children’s services, hand therapy, palliative care, social services and the private sector.
How to qualify
Take an occupational therapy degree, a two-year pre-registration master’s if you already have a degree, or a degree apprenticeship, and register with the HCPC. You also need to complete supervised placements during the course.
OTs often work closely with physiotherapists and speech and language therapists in rehab teams.
Common questions
How much does an occupational therapist earn in the NHS?
£32,073 when newly qualified, rising to £48,117 at the top of Band 6 and £56,515 at the top of Band 7, in England from April 2026.
What is a rotational OT post?
A Band 5 job where you move between clinical areas every few months, to build experience before specialising.
How long until an OT gets Band 6?
Typically two to three years, by applying for a specialist post.
Do OTs work weekends?
Some do, especially in hospitals that run seven-day services. Most community posts are weekday hours.
Can I become an OT if I already have a degree?
Yes. Two-year pre-registration master’s courses are designed for graduates in other subjects.