Physiotherapy Salary & Pay Scales: Global Overview

This page explains how physiotherapy pay is structured across popular destinations and links you to deeper guides. Always check employer adverts for current figures and allowances (e.g., high-cost areas, rural incentives, overtime or on-call).

United Kingdom: NHS Bands (Agenda for Change)

Most NHS roles use the Agenda for Change (AfC) framework, with Bands 2–9 and annual progression points. Typical clinical grades include Band 5 (entry), Band 6 (specialist), and Band 7 (advanced/lead). High-cost area supplements may apply (e.g., London).

Learn more: Grading overview  |  Jobs: UK physiotherapy jobs  |  Registration: UK (HCPC) guide

Australia: Public awards & career stages

Public-sector pay is set by state/territory awards with numbered levels and annual increments. Career stages commonly progress from Graduate/Level 1 through Senior/Level 3–4 to advanced roles. Rural and remote incentives may apply.

Learn more: Grading overview  |  Jobs: Australia physiotherapy jobs  |  Registration: Australia (AHPRA/PBA) guide

New Zealand: MECA pay scales & APC

District health pay scales are negotiated (e.g., MECAs) and progress with experience and role breadth. You must hold PBNZ registration and a current APC to practise.

Jobs: New Zealand physiotherapy jobs  |  Registration: New Zealand (PBNZ) guide

Ireland: HSE salary scales & CORU

HSE hospital and community roles follow national HSE salary scales with incremental progression across grades (e.g., Staff Grade, Senior, Clinical Specialist). Private and sports roles set independent ranges. CORU registration is required to practise.

Jobs: Ireland physiotherapy jobs  |  Registration: Ireland (CORU) guide

Canada: Provincial variation

Pay varies by province/territory, union agreements and setting (public hospital vs private clinic). Licensing is provincial, so verify local requirements and salary bands when comparing offers.

Jobs: Canada physiotherapy jobs  |  Registration: Canada registration guide

Private sector & benefits

Private clinics, sports teams and occupational health providers set independent ranges and often include productivity bonuses, CPD budgets and flexible scheduling. Compare total compensation, not just base salary.

Community salary discussions

For real-world figures and negotiation tips, explore our community threads:

International Registration & Pay Forum  |  UK forum  |  Australia forum  |  New Zealand forum  |  Canada forum

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