Allied Healthcare Jobs 2026 opportunities, salaries, and how to get in
Allied healthcare jobs are one of the fastest growing areas of the UK workforce, with thousands of vacancies open across the NHS, private clinics, and community services. Driven by an ageing population, NHS workforce plans, and a growing shortage of allied health professionals (AHPs), roles in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, speech and language therapy, and more are in high demand nationwide.
This guide explains what allied healthcare jobs are, which roles are most in demand, how salaries have changed over the past two years, and how job seekers and employers can take advantage of the current market.
What Are Allied Healthcare Jobs?
Allied healthcare jobs cover a wide range of non-medical, non‑nursing clinical and support roles that help diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients. Common allied health professions (AHPs) in the UK include:
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Radiographers (diagnostic and therapeutic)
- Speech and language therapists
- Podiatrists
- Dietitians
- Orthoptists
- Prosthetists and orthotists
- Paramedics
These professionals work in hospitals, GP practices, community teams, mental health services, and private healthcare providers. They are central to reducing hospital admissions, supporting recovery, and helping people live independently for longer.
Why Allied Healthcare Jobs Are Booming in the UK
Several national trends are driving demand for allied healthcare jobs:
- The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan forecasts a need for 71,000 to 76,000 more allied health professionals by 2036, on top of existing staff.
- Workforce reports show high vacancy rates for AHPs, with some professions such as dietetics and occupational therapy seeing vacancies above 10% in certain regions.
- Several AHP roles are now on the UK Shortage Occupations List, making them attractive for international recruitment and visa sponsorship.
- The government’s 10‑Year Health Plan emphasises apprenticeships, “earn while you learn” routes, and local recruitment drives, creating more entry‑level allied healthcare jobs.
Together, these factors mean allied healthcare jobs are secure, in demand, and future proof across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Top In‑Demand Allied Healthcare Roles in 2026
Based on current NHS workforce planning and vacancy data, the following allied healthcare jobs are especially sought‑after:
| Role | Why in demand | Typical setting |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | Growing need for musculoskeletal, respiratory, and rehabilitation services. | Hospitals, community teams, private clinics |
| Occupational therapist | Rising demand for rehab and independence‑support in ageing and disabled populations. | Hospitals, social care, mental health, schools |
| Diagnostic radiographer | Shortage of trained staff; key for cancer, trauma, and emergency pathways. | Acute hospitals, imaging centres |
| Speech and language therapist | Increased focus on neuro‑rehab, stroke, and children’s services. | NHS trusts, schools, private practice |
| Dietitian | Rising obesity, diabetes, and complex‑care needs. | Hospitals, community, specialist clinics |
| Podiatrist | High‑pressure foot‑care needs in diabetes and older‑adult populations. | Community clinics, GP practices, hospitals |
Many of these roles are advertised on major UK job boards such as NHS Jobs, HealthJobsUK, and LinkedIn, often with band 5 to 8 NHS pay scales and flexible working options.
Where Allied Healthcare Jobs Are Growing Fastest
Allied healthcare jobs are opening up across the UK, but some areas and sectors are expanding more quickly:
- Community and primary care: More AHPs are being redeployed into GP hubs, integrated care systems, and home based services to reduce hospital admissions.
- Mental health and neuro‑rehab: NHS plans highlight growth in AHP roles supporting people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and acquired brain injury.
- Private and independent sector: Private hospitals, specialist rehab centres, and tele‑health platforms are adding allied healthcare jobs to meet demand for faster, flexible care.
- Apprenticeships and support‑worker routes: “Grow your own” schemes are creating more assistant practitioner, therapy assistant, and healthcare support worker roles that can lead into registered AHP careers.
For job‑seekers, this means opportunities in London, the Midlands, the North of England, and devolved nations, often with relocation support and training packages.
How Salaries Have Changed: 2023/24 vs 2025/26
There has been a clear salary increase for many allied healthcare jobs over the past two years, especially for NHS based Agenda for Change (AfC) staff such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, and other allied health professionals. The NHS has implemented back to back above inflation pay awards, including a 5.5% increase in 2024/25 and a further 3.6% rise in 2025/26, which apply across AfC bands.
Below is a simple comparison of approximate mid point annual salaries for common NHS bands used by allied health professionals:
NHS Allied Health Professional Salary Growth (2023/24 vs 2025/26)
| Band | Typical AHP roles* | Approx. 2023/24 mid‑point | Approx. 2025/26 mid‑point | Increase (absolute) | Increase (approx. %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | Newly qualified physio, OT, radiographer, dietitian | £28,500 | £30,420 | +£1,920 | ~6.7% |
| Band 6 | Senior physio, OT, radiographer | £34,500 | £37,898 | +£3,398 | ~9.8% |
| Band 7 | Specialist / advanced practitioners | £42,000 | £46,840 | +£4,840 | ~11.5% |
Mid‑career allied health professionals have seen real terms salary growth of roughly 10 to 12% over two years. Exact titles vary by trust and profession.
How to Get Into Allied Healthcare Jobs (UK)
If you’re considering a career in allied healthcare, here are the main routes:
- University degrees: Most registered AHPs (e.g. physio, OT, radiographer, dietitian) require an HCPC approved degree, often with NHS funded tuition and bursaries.
- Apprenticeships: Degree apprenticeships in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and diagnostic radiography let you earn while you train.
- Assistant and support roles: Healthcare support workers, therapy assistants, and assistant practitioners can progress into full AHP roles via internal training and apprenticeships.
- International recruitment: With several AHP roles on the Shortage Occupations List, overseas‑qualified professionals can find sponsored allied healthcare jobs in the UK.
For employers, highlighting training, flexible working, and career progression in your allied healthcare job ads will help you stand out in a competitive market.
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