NHS Clinical Psychologist salary, 2026/27
Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental health conditions using psychological therapies. The role requires a three-year doctorate in clinical psychology (DClinPsy) after an undergraduate psychology degree. Newly qualified clinical psychologists start on Band 7, progressing to Band 8a as Principal Psychologists. Consultant clinical psychologists work at Band 8b and Band 8c.
- Range (England)
- £49,387 to £91,609
- Typical bands
- Band 7, Band 8a, Band 8b, Band 8c
- Hourly entry
- £25.26
- Hourly top
- £46.85
Clinical Psychologist pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Clinical Psychologists are typically paid on. Most Clinical Psychologists move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Clinical Psychologist pay in Scotland
Scottish NHS staff are paid on a separate pay scale, negotiated by the Scottish Government rather than the UK Pay Review Body. Scotland consistently pays more than England at every band. The figures below are the Scottish equivalents for the same bands.
Common questions
- What pay band is a Clinical Psychologist on?
- NHS Clinical Psychologists sit at Bands 7, 8a, 8b or Band 8c depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Clinical Psychologists usually start on the lowest banding shown, with progression to the higher bands as they take on more senior or specialist work.
- How much does an NHS Clinical Psychologist earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Clinical Psychologist earns between £49,387 and £91,609 a year gross, depending on band and step. At the lowest entry rate that works out to roughly £25.26 an hour, and at the top rate roughly £46.85 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Clinical Psychologists earn between £52,845 and £97,338 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Clinical Psychologist jobs in the NHS?
- NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) lists all current vacancies across the four UK nations. Filter by 'Pay Band' to focus on roles at the band you're interested in. HSC Recruit covers Northern Ireland (jobs.hscni.net) and NHS Scotland Jobs covers Scotland (jobs.scot.nhs.uk). Most Trusts also list vacancies on their own websites alongside the national portal.
- Does Clinical Psychologist get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Clinical Psychologists working at Inner London Trusts get 20% on top of basic pay (minimum £5,794, maximum £8,746 for 2026/27). Outer London is 15%, Fringe is 5%. Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish Clinical Psychologists don't receive a London weighting equivalent.