Physiotherapy Grading Systems in the United Kingdom & Australia
This guide explains how grading and pay frameworks work in the UK and Australia and how grades relate to experience, duties and leadership. Use the links throughout to jump to registration guides, jobs by country, and community advice.
United Kingdom: NHS Bands (Agenda for Change)
In the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), physiotherapy job grades are set under the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay framework. Every NHS physiotherapy role is matched to a band that reflects duties, responsibility and competencies. High-cost area supplements may apply (e.g., London).
Understanding your band is crucial when applying for UK physiotherapy jobs and discussing pay and progression.
- Band 4 / 5 — Assistant Practitioner or entry-level Physiotherapist
- Band 5 — Newly qualified physiotherapist, often rotating across specialties
- Band 6 — Specialist Physiotherapist in a defined area
- Band 7 — Advanced Practitioner, Team Lead, or Extended Scope role
- Band 8a–8b — Principal / Consultant Physiotherapist or Service Manager
Older NHS grades (e.g., Junior, Senior I, Senior II) were mapped to AfC bands during the transition. Banding also influences pension contributions, annual leave entitlement, and development pathways.
For professional registration requirements, see our UK Physiotherapy Registration Guide (HCPC).
Australia: Career Stages & State Levels
In Australia, public-sector pay and progression are set by state/territory industrial awards. Roles are classified by numbered levels with annual increments. Career stages commonly progress from Graduate through Senior and Advanced roles.
- Stage 1 — Entry-Level / Graduate Physiotherapist
- Stage 2 — Rotating Junior Physiotherapist
- Stage 3 — Commencing Specialising Physiotherapist
- Stage 4 — Established Specialising Physiotherapist
- Stage 5 — Titled Physiotherapist (APA-recognised)
- Stage 6 — Specialist Physiotherapist
- Stage 7 — Consultant Physiotherapist
State pay scale examples (indicative structure; check the current award in your state):
- NSW: Levels 1–8 with annual increments
- VIC: Levels 1–4 with annual increments
- QLD: Levels 3–8
- WA: Levels 1–9, plus Classes 1–4 above Level 9
- SA: Levels 1–6
- TAS: Levels 1–6
- ACT: Levels 1–6
- NT: Levels 1–5
Progression within a level is usually automatic each year; movement to a higher level normally requires appointment to a senior role. Some employers offer rural/remote incentives and CPD allowances.
For registration and visa pathways, see our Australia Physiotherapy Registration Guide (AHPRA/PBA) or browse jobs below.
International Equivalence & Moving Between Systems
Direct equivalence between UK bands and Australian levels is not exact. Employers assess your experience mix (rotations, caseload complexity), postgraduate training, advanced practice skills, leadership, and service development when determining placement.
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