What qualifications do I need to work as an NHS speech and language therapist?

You need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the HCPC and HCPC registration. Most NHS SLT roles start at Band 5 for newly qualified practitioners.

What areas can NHS speech and language therapists specialise in?

NHS SLTs can specialise in paediatrics, dysphagia (swallowing), voice disorders, fluency (stammering), learning disabilities, acquired neurological conditions, head and neck cancer, and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).

How much do NHS speech and language therapists earn?

Under the 2026/27 pay scale, NHS SLTs 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 SLTs at Band 8 (£58,000+).

What career progression is available for NHS speech and language therapists?

NHS SLTs can progress from Band 5 to specialist, highly specialist, and consultant roles. Management pathways include team lead, clinical lead, and head of speech and language therapy services.

What does an SLT dysphagia assessment involve?

Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) assessment is a core SLT skill, particularly in acute hospital settings. SLTs assess swallowing safety at the bedside and may use instrumental assessments such as videofluoroscopy or FEES (fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing). Acute hospital SLT posts often list dysphagia competency as essential. If you are newly qualified, check whether the trust provides a dysphagia competency programme.

Do SLTs work in schools?

Yes. Paediatric SLTs frequently work in or alongside schools, nurseries, and children's centres. Some posts are based in NHS children's teams that visit schools; others are commissioned directly by local authorities or education providers. School-based SLT work typically runs during term time, which can suit people who prefer more regular hours, but NHS funding and caseload models vary significantly by area.

Speech and Language Therapist Jobs in the NHS

NHS speech and language therapy posts work with patients who have difficulties with speech, language, communication, eating, or swallowing. Caseloads vary widely by setting: paediatric SLTs may work alongside schools and early years teams, while acute hospital SLTs often focus on dysphagia assessment and stroke rehabilitation. Posts start at Band 5 and can reach consultant level.

176 live vacancies across 82 NHS employers · updated hourly

176

Open Positions

£24k - £71k

Salary Range

NHS Trusts

New This Week

Latest live Speech and Language Therapist jobs

Recent speech and language therapist vacancies from this role hub, with employer, location, and closing-date context.

Planning a Speech and Language Therapist job search in the NHS

Job Clerk tracks live speech and language therapist vacancies across NHS employers so you can compare role level, employer mix, location, salary, contract type, and closing date before deciding where to spend time on an application.

There are currently 176 live speech and language therapist roles across 82 NHS employers in this index. Use the band and city links below to move from the broad profession market into pages with tighter salary, seniority, and local employer context.

Recent salary data for speech and language therapist roles ranges from about £23,975 to £70,887 per year, depending on band, employer, rota pattern, and high-cost area supplements.

Evidence to prepare

Dysphagia assessment and management (including videofluoroscopy and FEES)
Specialist assessment for voice, fluency, AAC, or acquired conditions
Training families, carers, and education staff in communication strategies
Managing a complex caseload across settings (ward, clinic, community, school)

Common requirements

HCPC registration as a speech and language therapist
Dysphagia competency (essential for most acute hospital posts)
Subspecialty experience relevant to the post (paediatric, neuro, voice, AAC)
RCSLT membership (recommended but not essential)

Bands to compare

Current speech and language therapist pages include Band 6, Band 7, and Band 5. Start broad, then narrow by band when the advert needs specific seniority, supervision, portfolio, or leadership evidence.

Location demand

Active city hubs include London and Birmingham. Local pages are useful for comparing employer mix, commute assumptions, and high-cost area supplements.

Employer mix

Recent listings include employers such as HCRG Care Group, Sirona care & health CIC, Evolve Psychology Services, and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Check each source advert for person-spec wording and early-close warnings.

Browse Speech and Language Therapist Jobs by Band

NHS speech and language therapist roles span multiple Agenda for Change bands. Pick a level to see live vacancies at that band.

Band 6 Speech and Language Therapist Band 7 Speech and Language Therapist Band 5 Speech and Language Therapist

Browse Speech and Language Therapist Jobs by City

Compare speech and language therapist vacancies in major NHS hiring locations before narrowing into a grade or band.

Speech and Language Therapist jobs in London Speech and Language Therapist jobs in Birmingham

Where Speech and Language Therapist Jobs Are Hiring Right Now

London, London13 jobs

Bristol, South West8 jobs

Birmingham, Midlands5 jobs

Gravesend, South East4 jobs

Middlesbrough, North East and Yorkshire4 jobs

Maidenhead, South East4 jobs

Chertsey, South East3 jobs

Preston, North West3 jobs

Widnes, North West3 jobs

HUDDERSFIELD, North East and Yorkshire3 jobs

Redhill, South East3 jobs

Leeds, North East and Yorkshire3 jobs

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