How Much Does A Radiographer Make?
Find out how much radiographers earn in the UK, what training is needed, career levels, pros and cons, and top employers in diagnostic imaging.
How Much Does a Radiographer Make? Salary, Training & Career Guide (UK)
Radiographers are healthcare professionals who use imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, MRI and ultrasound to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. They play a vital role in detecting illness and injury and are central to modern medical care.
This guide explains how much radiographers earn in the UK, what qualifications are needed, specialisations, the pros and cons of the job, and the best employers in this field.
Job Description: What Does a Radiographer Do?
Radiographers operate complex imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat patients. They work alongside radiologists, nurses, surgeons, and oncologists in hospitals and clinics.
Responsibilities:
Operating imaging equipment (X-ray, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, ultrasound)
Positioning patients and ensuring radiation safety protocols
Assisting in interventional procedures (e.g. angiograms, biopsies)
Reviewing images for quality and forwarding to specialists
Communicating with patients clearly and compassionately
Maintaining equipment and ensuring accurate records
Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
How Hard Is It to Become a Radiographer?
It requires a science-based degree and clinical placements. Training is academic and practical, but not as long as medicine or nursing. You must register with the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) after graduating.
Expect 3 years of full-time study and a heavy focus on anatomy, physics, and patient care.
Traits and Characteristics You Need
Technical accuracy and attention to detail
Strong communication and empathy
Comfort working with machines and software
Scientific understanding of anatomy and imaging
Teamworking skills
Ability to stay calm under pressure
Commitment to patient safety, especially radiation protection
Do You Need Qualifications?
Yes. Radiography is a regulated profession in the UK.
Required pathway:
A-levels (or equivalent) – usually including science subjects
BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiography – 3 years
Registration with the HCPC
Maintain CPD (Continuing Professional Development) annually
Alternative routes:
Degree apprenticeships – available through some NHS trusts
Postgraduate Diplomas / MSc – for career changers with science degrees
Career Levels and Specialisations
Student Radiographer - In training on placements
Band 5 Radiographer - Newly qualified
Band 6 Radiographer - Specialist modality or team lead
Band 7 Radiographer - Advanced practitioner (e.g., reporting or CT lead)
Band 8a–8b - Consultant radiographer / modality lead
Academic or Research Role - Teaching, training or research
Specialisations:
MRI / CT Scanning
Ultrasound
Fluoroscopy
Mammography
Interventional Radiology
Forensic Radiography
Therapeutic Radiography (radiotherapy)
What Experience Do You Need?
Clinical placements during your degree
Voluntary work or shadowing in hospitals helps your application
After qualifying, on-the-job training in specialist imaging (e.g. MRI)
Experience using PACS and RIS systems (image storage and workflow tools)
CPD is required to retain HCPC registration
Benefits of Being a Radiographer
High-demand profession in both public and private sectors
Specialist skillset that improves career security
Good salary progression
Strong NHS pension and benefits
Opportunities to specialise or move into advanced roles
Meaningful work, supporting early diagnosis and treatment
Work in a high-tech healthcare environment
Drawbacks and Negatives
Physically demanding – lots of standing, lifting, and moving patients
Potential exposure to radiation (well-controlled with PPE)
Shift work, including nights and weekends
Workload pressures in understaffed departments
Emotional strain, especially in trauma and cancer care settings
Ongoing learning needed to keep up with tech advancements
Radiographer Salary in the UK
Most NHS radiographers are paid according to the Agenda for Change structure.
Band 5 (Newly Qualified) - £28,407 – £34,581
Band 6 (Specialist) - £35,392 – £42,618
Band 7 (Advanced Practice) - £43,742 – £50,056
Band 8a (Consultant Level) - £51,000 – £67,000
Private Sector / Agency - £40,000 – £80,000+
Tax Example (Band 6 on £39,000):
Income Tax: ~£6,232
National Insurance: ~£3,309
Take-home pay: ~£29,459/year or £566/week
Additional earnings through:
Overtime or on-call rates
Shift enhancements for unsocial hours
Private sector work (e.g., Bupa, Spire, Nuffield)
What Factors Affect Salary?
Band level and NHS progression
Specialisation and modality (MRI, CT, interventional)
Location – London weighting adds up to £6,000/year
Experience and leadership roles
Private sector premiums
Bank work or agency shifts
What’s the Future for Radiography?
Very strong. Medical imaging is central to diagnosis and treatment.
Trends:
Rising demand due to ageing population and chronic disease
AI-assisted diagnostics – supports, not replaces, radiographers
Growth in CT and MRI use
More non-medical radiographer-led reporting roles
Digital imaging, remote scan review, and teleradiology
Increased use of ultrasound in GP practices and maternity
Best Employers for Radiographers in the UK
NHS Trusts (e.g., Barts, Oxford, Leeds) - Structured career path and pension
Bupa UK / Nuffield Health - Private sector with strong pay packages
Spire Healthcare - Private hospitals across the UK
Circle Health Group - Advanced diagnostic centres
Alliance Medical - Diagnostic scan specialists (MRI, CT)
GE Healthcare / Siemens -Corporate roles in equipment, training, or application support
University Hospitals -Research and teaching roles
Final Thought
Radiography is a secure, tech-forward and rewarding NHS career that offers good pay, a structured progression path, and opportunities to specialise in life-saving imaging technologies. Whether you choose to work in public or private healthcare, the role will remain vital to modern medicine for decades to come.