# Band 6 Occupational Therapist Jobs in the NHS

> Band 6 occupational therapist job landing page from Job Clerk.

## Canonical URLs

- **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/jobs/occupational-therapist/band-6
- **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/jobs/occupational-therapist/band-6.md

## Live Market Snapshot

- **Live vacancies:** 149
- **NHS employers:** 83
- **New vacancies this week:** 65
- **Filter scope:** Scoped to Band 6 and Occupational Therapist.
- **Observed salary range:** GBP 17,049 to GBP 56,863

## Role Summary

NHS occupational therapy posts cover physical rehabilitation, mental health, paediatrics, hand therapy, and community reablement. OTs assess how illness, injury, or disability affects someone's ability to manage daily tasks and work, then plan interventions around those specific barriers. Most roles start at Band 5 and progress to specialist, advanced, and consultant levels.

## Typical Responsibilities

- Functional assessment and goal-setting with patients
- Home environment assessment and discharge planning
- Equipment prescription and housing adaptation recommendations
- Specialist group or individual intervention programmes
- Supervising OT support workers and students on placement
- Risk assessment for cognitive, physical, or mental health presentations
- Audit, outcome measurement, and service development

## Typical Requirements

- HCPC registration as an occupational therapist
- Subspecialty experience relevant to the post (physical, mental health, paediatrics, hand therapy)
- Postgraduate training for specialist or advanced roles
- RCOT membership (recommended but not essential)

## Employers Hiring

- NHS Professionals Limited (8 jobs)
- NHS Lothian (6 jobs)
- Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (5 jobs)
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (4 jobs)
- Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust (3 jobs)
- Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (3 jobs)
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (3 jobs)
- Livewell Southwest (3 jobs)

## Locations Hiring

- London, London (8 jobs)
- Bradford, North East and Yorkshire (3 jobs)
- Plymouth, South West (3 jobs)
- Folkestone, South East (2 jobs)
- Coventry, Midlands (2 jobs)
- Liverpool, North West (2 jobs)
- NHS Lothian, East of Scotland (2 jobs)
- Watford, South East (2 jobs)
- Croydon, London (2 jobs)
- Redditch, Midlands (2 jobs)
- Ludlow, Midlands (2 jobs)
- Hereford, Midlands (2 jobs)

## Grade Context

Band 6 posts are for experienced practitioners who have built specialist skills or taken on supervisory responsibilities. Typical roles include senior staff nurses, specialist therapists, team deputies, and clinical pharmacists. Expect to show evidence of autonomous judgement and leadership in your application. Salary guidance: £39,959 - £48,117.

## Grade Requirements

Professional registration and minimum 2 years post-qualification experience

Specialist competencies relevant to the advertised post

Evidence of supervising junior staff or students

Contribution to audit, service improvement, or quality work

Postgraduate training or qualifications (for some specialist posts)

## FAQs

### What is the salary for NHS Band 6 roles?

NHS Band 6 roles pay between £39,959 and £48,117 per year under the 2026/27 pay scale, plus additional payments for unsocial hours and high-cost area supplements.

### What is the difference between Band 5 and Band 6?

Band 6 practitioners have more experience, specialist skills, and often supervisory responsibilities. They manage more complex caseloads, may lead small teams, and contribute to service development.

### What jobs are available at NHS Band 6?

Band 6 roles include senior staff nurses, specialist practitioners, senior therapists, clinical pharmacists, team deputies, and specialists in various clinical areas.

### What qualifications do I need to work as an NHS occupational therapist?

You need a degree in occupational therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and HCPC registration. Most NHS OT roles start at Band 5 for newly qualified practitioners.

### What settings do NHS occupational therapists work in?

NHS occupational therapists work in hospitals (acute and rehabilitation), community services, mental health trusts, and specialist services. Settings include wards, outpatient clinics, patients' homes, and specialist units.

### How much do NHS occupational therapists earn?

Under the 2026/27 pay scale, NHS occupational therapists start at Band 5 (approximately £32,000-£39,000), with specialist roles at Band 6 (£40,000-£48,000), senior specialists at Band 7 (£49,000-£57,000), and consultant OTs at Band 8 (£58,000+).

## Agent Notes

- This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk SEO landing-page data as the HTML page.
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- Live job counts change as source NHS adverts open and close.