Salter began his career in amateur dramatics in the Taunton district with the YMCA and Taunton Youth Club, later going into variety. In 1943, he joined the
Royal Navy and a year later, was transferred to the
British Army for three years. During this period, he was a member of various ship and regimental parties. Following the end of the
Second World War, Salter secured a transfer to
ENSA, travelling Italy and Austria. After being posted to Budapest for seven months when
CSE succeeded ENSA, he was in charge of entertainment for the Military Mission. As a result of his work in the army, Salter received a grant to study dramatic art, spending two years at the
Italia Conti Stage School, winning a teaching diploma. This was followed by appearances in repertory at Colchester, Tunbridge Wells and Dewsbury, as well as the
West End. ==Television==