NHS role

Radiography Assistant

Supports radiographers in imaging departments (X-ray, CT, MRI), preparing patients and equipment. A route toward an Assistant Practitioner role in imaging.

Salary
£25,760–£27,476
NHS demand
Steady
Next step
Assistant Practitioner

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CareRoute Career Score™
Strong
relative to other NHS roles

Strong on entry and salary growth; held back by work–life balance.

Salary growth80

Can reach ~£80,000 via Clinical Director / Consultant-level Lead.

Job security57

Large workforce (~100,669); stable (+0% YoY).

AI resistance55

Moderately resistant to automation — mixed work.

Work–life balance55

Reasonable work–life balance; some shifts.

Entry access81

Easy entry — low study load, moderate competition.

Flexibility58

3 onward routes; some flexible-working scope.

Career Score™ is CareRoute's own indicative rating from public NHS-style data — not an official NHS ranking. A composite of six factors; same inputs always give the same score.

Salary
£25,760–£27,476
Next step
Assistant Practitioner
Avg progression
~2 yrs
NHS demand
Steady
Study required
Low
Flexibility
Solid
Why we scored it 65: Strong on entry and salary growth; held back by work–life balance.

What you'd do

  • Prepare patients for imaging procedures
  • Help position patients safely
  • Maintain imaging equipment and stock
  • Keep accurate records

Is this you?

You enjoy helping people and working as part of a team
You want hands-on NHS experience
You're drawn to imaging & radiography
You value secure, structured public-sector work

Typical progression routes

Indicative routes from the career graph — not usage data.

Your salary roadmap

Indicative pay on the highest-reaching route, by year.

£25,760
Yr 0
£27,476
Yr 2
£32,073
Yr 4
£34,592
Yr 6
£49,387
Yr 8
See how to reach £79,504

Skills & requirements

Skills you'll use in this role
Patient careAttention to detailEquipment handlingSafety awareness
What you'll need for your next step → Diagnostic Radiographer
  • Maths & English GCSE (grade 4/C) or equivalent
  • BSc Diagnostic Radiography (HCPC-approved)
  • UCAS / university application (degree route)
  • Funding or apprenticeship sponsorship
  • HCPC registration (allied health professional)
Latest intelligence

Guides & updates

We're writing in-depth imaging & radiography guides — pay, entry routes and progression. In the meantime, explore the roles and career map above.

FAQ

Questions, answered straight

Band 2–3 on the 2026/27 Agenda for Change scale — indicative figures; verify against official NHS sources.
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Where to look next

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