How much do medical physicists earn in the NHS?
In England, STP direct-entry trainees are employed at Band 6. Many registered Clinical Scientist jobs are advertised at Band 7, with higher bands for more senior responsibilities. The table shows basic annual pay for England in 2026/27.
England NHS pay bands for 2026/27
Agenda for Change is the NHS pay system used for these posts. Each band has a pay range, with progression subject to the applicable rules.
| Agenda for Change band | Entry | Top |
|---|---|---|
| Band 6 | £39,959 | £48,117 |
| Band 7 | £49,387 | £56,515 |
| Band 8a | £57,528 | £64,750 |
| Band 8b | £66,582 | £77,368 |
| Band 8c | £79,504 | £91,609 |
| Band 8d | £94,356 | £108,814 |
| Band 9 | £112,782 | £129,783 |
Pay after the STP
After successful STP completion, you can apply for HCPC registration and suitable Clinical Scientist jobs. A Band 7 job is not guaranteed: you need to apply and meet the employer’s requirements.
Pay elsewhere in the UK
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland publish their own pay arrangements. For example, Scotland’s 2026/27 ranges include £43,231 to £52,679 at Band 6 and £52,845 to £61,466 at Band 7.
Use the pay information for the country where the job is based, and check the salary stated in the advert.
What else affects your pay?
- Your pay point and progression arrangements
- Full-time or part-time hours
- Additional payments for some locations or on-call duties
- Pension contributions, tax and National Insurance
See salaries in current job adverts
Compare the pay with the responsibilities and experience each employer is asking for.
Sources
Guidance checked: 18 August 2026