Occupational Therapist Salary UK 2026 averages £43,425 in the NHS — 16% above the national average — following the Agenda for Change banding structure.
Occupational Therapist salary
Base pay £27K – £38K/yr
£32K/yr average base pay
The estimated salary for a Occupational Therapist is £31,753 per year in the Glasgow United Kingdom area. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The “Most Likely Range” represents values that exist within the 25th and 75th percentile of all pay data available for this role.
What do Occupational Therapist earn
How much does a Occupational Therapist make in United Kingdom?
£39,042/yr
Occupational Therapist Salary UK by NHS Band (2026/27)
| Band | Salary |
|---|---|
| Band 5 (newly qualified) | £29,970 – £36,483 |
| Band 6 | £37,338 – £44,962 |
| Band 7 | £46,148 – £52,809 |
| Band 8a | £53,754 – £62,550 |
Most OTs spend 3-4 years at Band 5 before progressing to Band 6, with further progression tied to specialisation (paediatrics, mental health, or hand therapy) and additional qualifications.
See our Physical Therapist Salary guide, or use the Paycheck Calculator.
Highest paying cities for Occupational Therapist near United Kingdom
- London
£43,881 per year 2k salaries reported - Burnley
£38,445 per year 47 salaries reported - Bristol
£38,078 per year 307 salaries reported - Stockport
£37,915 per year 141 salaries reported - Prescot
£37,518 per year 144 salaries reported - Manchester
£37,418 per year 374 salaries reported - Birmingham
£37,315 per year 512 salaries reported - Coventry
£37,074 per year 222 salaries reported - Blackburn
£36,409 per year 192 salaries reported
FAQs about Occupational Therapist salary
What is the average occupational therapist salary in the UK?
£43,425 in the NHS, 16% above the national average.
How long before an OT reaches Band 6?
Typically 3-4 years at Band 5.
What’s the highest OT NHS band?
Band 8a, paying £53,754–£62,550.
