# Speech and Language Therapist Jobs in the NHS

> NHS speech and language therapist job landing page from Job Clerk.

## Canonical URLs

- **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/jobs/speech-and-language-therapist
- **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/jobs/speech-and-language-therapist.md

## Live Market Snapshot

- **Live vacancies:** 168
- **NHS employers:** 89
- **New vacancies this week:** 71
- **Observed salary range:** GBP 23,975 to GBP 70,887

## Role Summary

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.

## Typical Responsibilities

- 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)
- Supervising SLT assistants and students on placement
- Developing care pathways and service-level outcome measurement
- Tracheostomy and ventilator management (for acute roles)

## Typical 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)

## Employers Hiring

- HCRG Care Group (10 jobs)
- Evolve Psychology Services (7 jobs)
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (6 jobs)
- Sirona care & health CIC (5 jobs)
- Elysium Healthcare (5 jobs)
- Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (4 jobs)
- Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust (4 jobs)
- Cygnet Health Care (4 jobs)

## Locations Hiring

- London, London (13 jobs)
- Birmingham, Midlands (4 jobs)
- Harlow, East of England (4 jobs)
- Bristol, South West (4 jobs)
- Gravesend, South East (4 jobs)
- Widnes, North West (3 jobs)
- Maidenhead, South East (3 jobs)
- HUDDERSFIELD, North East and Yorkshire (3 jobs)
- Sidcup, London (3 jobs)
- The West Centre, West of Scotland (3 jobs)
- Cambridge, East of England (3 jobs)
- Exeter, South West (2 jobs)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Agent Notes

- This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk SEO landing-page data as the HTML page.
- Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references.
- Live job counts change as source NHS adverts open and close.