Physiotherapist Salary Australia 2024: Here Are the Latest Figures

Written by

Darakasha Singh

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Oct 06,2024

Physiotherapist Salary Australia 2024: Here Are the Latest Figures- TerraTern

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Benefits of Being a Physiotherapist in Australia

Here are a few key benefits of being a physiotherapist in Australia:

1. Competitive Salary

2. Diverse Career Opportunities

3. High Demand

4. Flexible Work Environment

5. Work-Life Balance

6. Pathways for Career Growth

Latest Facts and News:

• The demand for physiotherapists in Australia is expected to grow by 17.4% by 2026.

• Recent changes in Medicare rebates have impacted physiotherapy services and potentially salaries.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for respiratory physiotherapists.

• Telehealth physiotherapy services are on the rise, potentially affecting salary structures.

Understanding Physiotherapist Salary Australia

The physiotherapist salary Australia is high as compared to other countries such as the UK or Canada. Australia offers competitive salaries and other additional benefits for skilled physiotherapists of the country. The entry-level physiotherapists generally earn between AUD $60,000 and $70,000 per year, while experienced professionals can earn over AUD $100,000. Salaries tend to be higher in metropolitan areas like Sydney and Melbourne due to the higher cost of living, while rural areas may offer additional incentives such as relocation bonuses. Apart from that, specialising in any area can also help in boosting the average physiotherapist salary Australia. All these factors make Australia an attractive destination for professionals seeking physiotherapist jobs abroad.

Average Physiotherapist Salary Australia

Here’s an overview of average physiotherapist salary Australia for different job roles:

Job Profile

Average Annual Salary (AUD)

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Entry-Level Physiotherapist

$60,000 - $75,000

INR 31,80,000 - 39,75,000

Mid-Career Physiotherapist

$75,000 - $95,000

INR 39,75,000 - 50,35,000

Experienced Physiotherapist

$90,000 - $110,000

INR 47,70,000 - 58,30,000

Senior Physiotherapist

$100,000 - $130,000

INR 53,00,000 - 68,90,000

Private Practice Physiotherapist

$70,000 - $100,000

INR 37,10,000 - 53,00,000

Sports Physiotherapist

$80,000 - $110,000

INR 42,40,000 - 58,30,000

Paediatric Physiotherapist

$75,000 - $100,000

INR 39,75,000 - 53,00,000

Neurological Physiotherapist

$85,000 - $115,000

INR 45,05,000 - 60,95,000

Remote Physiotherapist

$80,000 - $105,000

INR 42,40,000 - 55,65,000

Clinical Educator

$100,000 - $120,000

INR 53,00,000 - 63,60,000

Note: This data is as per the latest research of our expert team members. There might be variations in these numbers depending on entry-level, geographical location and experience.

Factors Affecting Physiotherapist Salary Australia

There are several factors that can affect physiotherapist salary Australia. Here are a few key factors that can influence the physiotherapist salary Australia:

1. Experience Level

A physiotherapist’s salary increases with experience. Entry-level physiotherapists generally earn less compared to those with several years of experience or specialised skills. Senior or highly experienced physiotherapists can get higher salaries due to their expertise.

2. Geographical Location

Different states and territories may offer varying salary levels. The salary is varied in different regions due to the demand of that specific profession in the area. Cities with more demand for physiotherapists get higher salaries whereas the cities with low demand for physiotherapists have lesser salary levels.

3. Specialisation

Physiotherapists who specialise in areas such as sports physiotherapy, neurological rehabilitation, or paediatric physiotherapy tend to earn more than general physiotherapists due to the demand for specialised skills and knowledge.

4. Workplace Setting

Physiotherapists working in the public healthcare system often have structured pay scales with steady increases based on their skills and experience. In contrast, private practitioners have salary levels according to their success, work and growth of the hospital.

5. Cost of Living

The cost of living in certain regions affects physiotherapist salary Australia. Physiotherapists working in cities with higher living costs such as Sydney or Melbourne have higher salary levels to support their living expenses. On the other hand, physiotherapists working in rural areas or smaller towns have lower cost of living thereby having comparatively lesser salary.

Physiotherapist Salary Australia Region wise

The physiotherapist salary Australia is usually high in the metropolitan cities as compared to rural areas. Here’s an overview for physiotherapist salary Australia according to different provinces:

Province

Average Annual Salary (AUD)

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Sydney

$75,000 - $110,000

INR 39,75,000 - 53,00,000

Melbourne

$70,000 - $105,000

INR 37,10,000 - 55,65,000

Brisbane

$70,000 - $100,000

INR 37,10,000 - 53,00,000

Perth

$75,000 - $105,000

INR 39,75,000 - 55,65,000

Adelaide

$65,000 - $95,000

INR 37,13,052 - 50,35,000

Canberra

$70,000 - $100,000

INR 37,10,000 - 53,00,000

Hobart

$65,000 - $90,000

INR 37,13,052 - 47,70,000

Darwin

$70,000 - $100,000

INR 37,10,000 - 53,00,000

Gold Coast

$70,000 - $100,000

INR 37,10,000 - 53,00,000

Newcastle

$70,000 - $100,000

INR 37,10,000 - 53,00,000

Note: This data is as per the latest research of our team members.

Career Progression and Salary Growth for Physiotherapists

Here are career progression ways and salary growth tips for physiotherapists in Australia for different entry levels. The professional growth determines the physiotherapist salary Australia:

1. Entry-Level Physiotherapist (0-2 Years)

The entry-level physiotherapists should focus more on gaining experience, understanding different clinical areas, and working under supervision. They should try to attend industrial conferences and workshops relevant to their work in order to increase their skill set and knowledge. This can help them in their career progression and boosting salary.

2. Mid-Career Physiotherapist (3-5 Years)

Many physiotherapists at this level start pursuing postgraduate education or certifications to enhance their knowledge in specific fields. This helps them to increase their knowledge and credibility as physiotherapists. Specialising in specific areas can help in getting better job roles with higher salary levels.

3. Senior Physiotherapist (5-10 Years)

Physiotherapists at this stage can take on leadership roles, managing departments or clinics. Some can also start their own private practice or move into consultancy roles. Further career progression can include specialised clinical positions, teaching roles, or contributing to research.

4. Advanced Physiotherapist (10+ Years)

At this point, professionals often have advanced qualifications such as a PhD degree. They may be involved in research, policy-making, or advising healthcare organisations. Senior physiotherapists may also move into academia, teaching the next generation of physiotherapists in Australia.

Comparing Physiotherapist Salaries to Other Healthcare Professions

Here’s a comparative table of average annual salaries of physiotherapists and other healthcare professions:

Healthcare Profession

Entry-Level Salary (AUD)

Experienced Salary (AUD)

Average Annual Salary (AUD)

Physiotherapist

$60,000 - $70,000

$90,000 - $110,000

$70,000 - $95,000

Registered Nurse 

$60,000 - $65,000

$85,000 - $100,000

$65,000 - $90,000

General Practitioner

$70,000 - $90,000

$200,000 - $300,000

$150,000 - $250,000

Occupational Therapist

$60,000 - $70,000

$90,000 - $110,000

$70,000 - $90,000

Pharmacist

$60,000 - $70,000

$90,000 - $120,000

$70,000 - $100,000

Speech Pathologist

$60,000 - $65,000

$85,000 - $100,000

$65,000 - $90,000

Dentist

$80,000 - $100,000

$150,000 - $250,000

$120,000 - $200,000

Radiographer

$65,000 - $70,000

$100,000 - $120,000

$70,000 - $110,000

Medical Laboratory Scientist

$55,000 - $65,000

$80,000 - $100,000

$60,000 - $90,000

Note: This data is as per the latest research of our expert team members.

Tips for Maximising Your Physiotherapist Salary Australia

Here are a few tips for maximising your physiotherapist salary Australia:

1. Pursue Specialisations

Specialising in high-demand areas like sports physiotherapy, paediatrics, orthopaedics, neurology, or chronic pain management can help you in getting higher salaries. Pursuing postgraduate courses or certifications can help boost your salary levels.

2. Work in Private Practice

Private practice physiotherapists often have the potential to earn more than those in public healthcare. Starting your own practice or partnering with other healthcare providers can increase your earnings through higher consultation fees and control over your client base.

3. Choose High-Demand Locations

Working in rural or remote areas of Australia often comes with additional incentives and higher salaries to attract healthcare professionals. These regions may also offer relocation packages or other benefits to compensate for the location.

4. Continue Professional Development

Stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and treatment methods by attending workshops, conferences, or training courses. This can help increase your skills and knowledge about your field, which can further result in an increase in salary.

5. Join Professional Associations

Join professional associations such as the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Being an active member of professional organisations can increase your networking opportunities. This can help in knowing more about job openings with higher salary packages. 

Future Outlook for Physiotherapist Salary Australia

Here’s an overview for the future outlook for physiotherapist salary Australia:

1. Increasing Demand for Physiotherapy Services

Australia's growing elderly population is expected to increase the demand for physiotherapy services. There’s more demand in areas like rehabilitation, pain management, and mobility assistance. Apart from that, rising cases of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders will continue to boost the need for physiotherapists.

2. Salary Growth Projections

Physiotherapist salaries are expected to grow steadily over the next few years. This will be the result of increasing demand for physiotherapists in many areas in Australia. Physiotherapists in rural and remote areas may experience higher salary growth due to workforce shortages in those regions. Benefits such as relocation allowances and higher starting salaries are often offered in these areas.

3. Specialisation Leading to Higher Pay

Physiotherapists who specialise in areas like sports physiotherapy, paediatrics, or neurological rehabilitation are likely to see higher salaries as these specialties are more in demand. Due to the rise in demand, they are often paid higher than physiotherapists with no specialisations.

4. Technological Impact

The rise of telehealth has grown significantly after COVID-19. This has expanded the scope of physiotherapy practice online as well. This trend may offer additional income streams and flexibility for physiotherapists who offer remote consultations.

5. Government Initiatives and Policies

There are new government initiatives and policies in Australia. There’s a growth in demand for physiotherapists in old-age care communities. This policy has been implied by the Australian government resulting in more demand for skilled physiotherapist professionals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the physiotherapist salary Australia is rewarding and beneficial for professionals associated with this field. There are various opportunities for career advancement and professional growth in the field which makes the job profile more attractive. The physiotherapy job also provides flexible working hours and an opportunity for online mode of working. This gives them a comfortable balance between their personal and professional lives. Also, the competitive salary packages offered in Australia makes the country a leading destination for seeking physiotherapy jobs. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do physios get paid in Australia?

Physiotherapist salary in Australia ranges between $84,000 to $115,530.

What type of physios get paid the most?

Generally, sports physiotherapists get paid the highest. Sports physiotherapist salary in Australia goes up to $116,666 per year.

What is the average salary of a physiotherapist in Australia in Indian rupees?

The physiotherapist's salary in Australia converted into Indian rupees is basically 70,15,677 annually.

What is the salary of a fresher physiotherapist in Australia?

The average physiotherapist's salary in Australia is $84,000.

Which city is best for physiotherapists in Australia?

Cities like Sydney, Canberra, Sutherland, etc., are best for physiotherapists for a higher salary.

What is the per-hour salary of a physiotherapist in Australia?

Physiotherapist salary in Australia per hour is usually $48.72.