Speech and language therapist salary 2026/27
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) work with communication and swallowing, from toddlers who are not talking to adults recovering from strokes. This is what the NHS pays them.
Your first job and beyond
Newly qualified SLTs start on Band 5, £32,073 in England. In your first year you will usually complete a period of supported competency, building skills with supervision before taking on a full caseload. Over Band 5 your pay rises to £39,043.
| Stage | Take-home a month |
|---|---|
| Newly qualified, Band 5 entry | £2,040 |
| Top of Band 5 | £2,381 |
| Specialist SLT, Band 6 entry | £2,430 |
| Highly specialist SLT, Band 7 middle | £3,078 |
| 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.
Children’s or adult services?
The band structure is the same either way. Children’s SLTs often work in clinics, nurseries and schools, so the job tends to follow school hours and terms more closely, though NHS staff still take normal annual leave. Adult SLTs work in hospitals and the community, with much of the hospital work focused on swallowing after strokes, head injuries and neurological illness. Specialist roles in areas like dysphagia, voice, autism or neonatal care are where Band 7 posts are found.
Elsewhere in the UK
Newly qualified SLTs earn £34,544 in Scotland, £32,557 in Wales and £31,049 in Northern Ireland. Some SLTs are employed by schools, councils or independent practices on different terms.
The work
- Assessing speech, language, voice, stammering and social communication.
- Assessing swallowing and advising on safe diets and drinks, to prevent choking and chest infections.
- Planning therapy and coaching parents, teachers and carers to carry it on.
- Setting up communication aids, from picture boards to eye-gaze technology.
- Writing reports, including advice for education, health and care plans.
Becoming an SLT
You need an approved degree or a two-year pre-registration master’s in speech and language therapy, then registration with the HCPC. Most SLTs also join the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Assistant SLT jobs, often Band 3 or 4, are a good way to get experience before applying.
SLTs work in teams with occupational therapists, dietitians and physiotherapists, especially in stroke and rehab services.
Common questions
How much do speech and language therapists earn?
In the NHS in England, £32,073 when newly qualified, up to £56,515 at the top of Band 7, from April 2026.
What band is a specialist SLT?
Usually Band 6. Highly specialist SLTs and team leads are Band 7.
Do children’s SLTs get school holidays off?
NHS SLTs have normal NHS annual leave, at least 27 days plus bank holidays, rather than school holidays. Some school-employed SLTs have term-time contracts.
How do I become a speech and language therapist?
Complete an approved degree or master’s and register with the HCPC.
What does an assistant SLT earn?
Assistant posts are often Band 3 or 4, from £25,760 in England.