NHS Mental Health Pharmacist salary, 2026/27
Mental health pharmacists specialise in psychotropic medications, supporting inpatient mental health units and community mental health teams. The role includes medication reviews, clozapine monitoring and prescribing support. Most mental health pharmacists are at Band 7 or Band 8a.
- Range (England)
- £49,387 to £64,750
- Typical bands
- Band 7, Band 8a
- Hourly entry
- £25.26
- Hourly top
- £33.11
Mental Health Pharmacist pay by band, England 2026/27
The table below shows the entry and top step at each band Mental Health Pharmacists are typically paid on. Most Mental Health Pharmacists move through the bands over the course of their career as they take on more senior or specialist responsibilities.
Mental Health Pharmacist 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 Mental Health Pharmacist on?
- NHS Mental Health Pharmacists sit at Band 7 or Band 8a depending on experience and the specific responsibilities of the role. Newly qualified Mental Health Pharmacists 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 Mental Health Pharmacist earn in 2026/27?
- On the 2026/27 England pay scale, an NHS Mental Health Pharmacist earns between £49,387 and £64,750 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 £33.11 an hour. Take-home pay after tax, NI and the NHS pension contribution is typically 70% of the gross figure. Scottish Mental Health Pharmacists earn between £52,845 and £70,303 on the equivalent Scottish scale.
- Where can I find Mental Health Pharmacist 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 Mental Health Pharmacist get London weighting?
- Only at NHS Trusts in England inside one of the three London weighting (HCAS) zones. Mental Health Pharmacists 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 Mental Health Pharmacists don't receive a London weighting equivalent.