How Much Money Do Therapists Make in the UK?

How much money do therapists make in the UK? If you’re thinking about a career in therapy, it’s one of the first things on your mind. Most NHS therapy roles sit on Agenda for Change Bands 5–7, paying between £31,049 and £54,710 in 2025/26. On the other hand, senior roles, like consultant therapists or heads of service, can reach Bands 8–9, earning from £55,690 up to £125,637.

Of course, pay doesn’t stop there. This guide also explains how experience, location, and qualifications affect earnings, and what private practice can bring in.

What’s the Average Salary for Therapists in the UK?

Most therapist roles in the UK fall around Agenda for Change Band 6–7, with salaries between £38,682 and £54,710. To give some context, this is above the UK median full-time pay of £37,430 (April 2024), so even mid-level therapy jobs pay well.

Band 6 is usually a mid-level role, where therapists start taking on more responsibility, like helping junior staff or running small projects. Salaries here start at about £38,682 and can go up to £46,580. Then comes Band 7, which is more senior—these therapists handle complex cases or manage services. Band 7 pay ranges from £47,810 to £54,710.

Do Clinical Psychologists Earn More Than Counsellors?

Yes, clinical psychologists usually earn more than counsellors. Counsellors mostly work in Bands 5–6, with salaries between £31,049 and £46,580. These roles are often for entry to mid-level therapists, handling standard cases and supporting clients.

In comparison, clinical or counselling psychologists usually start at Band 7, earning £47,810 to £54,710. As they gain experience, take on specialist work, or move into leadership, they can reach Band 8a and higher, which brings a bigger pay boost.

So, while both roles are important, clinical psychologists tend to earn more because of their extra training and the complex work they do.

How Does Location Affect Therapist Earnings?

Where you work can really change how much you earn. In London, NHS therapists get extra pay called High Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) because living costs are higher.

For example:

• Inner London adds 20% to your basic pay (about £5,609–£8,466).
• Outer London adds 15% (£4,714–£5,941).
• Fringe areas add 5% (£1,303–£2,198).

This means a Band 6 therapist in Inner London can earn a lot more than someone doing the same job outside London. Plus, this extra money helps cover higher rent, transport, and everyday costs. So, while London life can be expensive, the higher pay can make it worthwhile.

How Does Experience Change Therapist Income?

As you gain experience as a therapist, your pay naturally grows. Even within the same band, moving up the steps increases your salary. Plus, taking on specialist roles or leadership can push you into higher bands with bigger earnings.

Here’s roughly how it works:

• Band 6: This is usually mid-level work, where you start handling more responsibility and supporting others.
• Band 7: Senior practitioners or specialists managing complex cases see this pay.
• Band 8a → Band 8d: £55,690 → £96,941 – Leadership roles and highly specialist positions fall here, rewarding extra skill and responsibility.
• Band 9: £109,179 → £125,637 – These are top-level positions, like heads of service or consultants, with the highest pay.

So, the more you learn, take on responsibility, and specialise, the more your salary grows. It’s a career where experience and skill truly pay off.

What Income Can Self-Employed Therapists Make?

Being your own boss as a therapist can be exciting and rewarding, but it also means more responsibility. Across the UK, private session fees usually range from about £50 to £138 per session. In London, fees are higher, around £70 to £138, and specialist therapists can often charge even more.

That said, your net income isn’t just the fee multiplied by the number of clients. You also have to cover costs like room hire, insurance, supervision and tax. Simply put:

Net income = sessions × fee × weeks − costs

So, while self-employment can bring in good money, your actual take-home pay depends on how many clients you see and the fees you charge. With careful planning, it can be both financially rewarding and personally satisfying.

How Much Money Do Therapists Make per Hour?

Therapists’ pay can really depend on whether you work in the NHS or privately. In private practice, you usually charge around £60–£100 per session and in London, specialists can ask for £100–£180 or even more. On the other hand, in the NHS, a Band 6 starting at £38,682 works out to about £19.80 an hour before extras like London pay. So, while private work can pay a lot more per hour, NHS jobs give steady money, benefits, and security, which many therapists really value.

Do Private Practice Therapists Make More Than NHS Therapists?

Often, yes—private practice therapists can earn more per session, usually £60–£140 or even higher, which is more than what you’d make per hour in the NHS. But at the same time, NHS jobs come with steady pay, a pension, sick leave, and other benefits you don’t get in private work. Also, in private practice, your income depends on how many clients you see and the costs of running your sessions. So, while private work can be more lucrative, the NHS gives security and peace of mind that many therapists really appreciate.

How Therapists Can Earn Extra Income?

Therapists can make extra money in different ways beyond their regular sessions. For example, giving clinical supervision usually pays about the same as normal therapy rates. You can also run CPD workshops or corporate wellbeing sessions, which bring in extra cash. In London or for specialist work, these advanced sessions can even earn £100–£200 or more. So, not only do these opportunities boost your income, but they also let you share your skills, gain experience, and build your professional reputation.

What Qualifications Affect Therapist Pay?

A therapist’s pay often depends on their qualifications. For instance, if you’re an HCPC-registered practitioner psychologist with a doctorate, you usually start at Band 7 or higher in the NHS, which gives you a solid salary. At the same time, in private practice, extra credentials like BABCP accreditation or specialist training can let you charge more, sometimes £100–£180 or higher per session in London. So, the more skilled and qualified you are, the better your chances of earning more and opening up new opportunities.

How Does Contract Type Affect Therapist Income?

A therapist’s pay can change a lot depending on the type of work. For instance, NHS part-time roles pay the same band rate but just for fewer hours. Meanwhile, if you work for yourself, your earnings depend on how many clients you see. Across the UK, session fees are usually £50–£138, and in London, they can be £70–£173 or more. However, any cancellations or breaks between clients directly lower your income. So, your contract type affects not just how much you earn but also how steady your money is, and it’s important to keep that in mind when planning your career.

What Are the Highest Paying Therapy Roles?

Some therapy jobs pay a lot more than others, especially at the top levels or in private practice. For instance, NHS consultants or heads of service in Bands 8c–8d earn about £76,965–£96,941 and Band 9 roles can go up to £109,179–£125,637. At the same time, private specialists in London can charge £140–£230 or even more per session. So, if you work toward specialist or leadership roles, you can earn really well, but these positions usually need extra experience, skills, and responsibility.

FAQs

• How much does a therapist earn in the UK?
  Therapist salaries vary, but most NHS roles sit between £31,000–£55,000 a year, with senior roles going higher. Private practice can pay more per session.

• What kind of therapist makes the most money?
  NHS consultants, heads of service (Bands 8–9), and private niche specialists in London usually earn the most.

• Do therapists earn good money?
  Yes, therapy can provide a solid, above-average income, especially as you gain experience or work privately.

• How much do NHS therapists make a year?
  NHS therapists typically earn £31,049–£54,710 for mid-level roles (Bands 5–7), and senior roles (Bands 8–9) can reach £125,637.

• What GCSEs do you need to be a therapist?
  Most NHS therapy roles require at least GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths. Some courses or specialisations may ask for science subjects.

• Is £35k a good salary in the UK?
  Yes, £35,000 is around the average UK full-time salary, so it’s considered a decent, stable income.

Final Thoughts

If you’re curious about how much money do therapists make, it really depends on the kind of work you do and your experience. For example, NHS roles in Bands 5–7, earning around £31k–£55k, give steady growth and extra pay if you work in London. Meanwhile, private practice can pay more per hour, often £60–£140 or higher, but your income depends on how many clients you see and the costs of running your sessions. So, whether you choose the NHS, private work, or a mix of both, therapy gives you the chance to earn well, grow your career, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Ready to get started? Check out our Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course and take the first step toward a rewarding therapy career today.