Physiotherapist salary guide Australia 2026
The median Physiotherapist salary in Australia is $85,000, with pay ranging from $75,000 at entry level to $99,000 for senior professionals.
Overview
What does a Physiotherapist earn?
The median salary of Physiotherapists in Australia is $85,000. Most clinicians earn within the typical range of $75,000–$99,000, depending on their practice setting and clinical background. Reaching $99,000 usually requires specialised expertise in areas like neurological rehabilitation or geriatric care.
Optional — pick a state first
Median for Physiotherapist, nationally across Australia.
10th $75,000
25th $85,000
50th (median) $99,000
75th $113,000
90th
Figures above update by state/city. For a full breakdown by seniority, see the table below.
Location
Physiotherapist salary by city
Location plays a significant role in remuneration across Australian states and capital cities. Regional healthcare providers often offer competitive packages to attract qualified clinicians outside major metropolitan centres like Sydney and Melbourne.
What drives salary
Factors that affect Physiotherapist pay
Your practice setting, qualifications and caseload complexity all shape your overall earning potential. Here are five key factors that influence Physiotherapist salaries across Australia.
Clinicians with focused expertise in complex areas like neurological rehabilitation or musculoskeletal care often command higher salaries than generalist practitioners.
Remuneration models vary between private practice and public hospital networks, with community-based roles offering distinct salary structures.
Physiotherapists who manage complex caseloads independently and mentor junior team members quickly progress into higher pay brackets.
Regional and remote health services frequently offer higher base rates or relocation incentives to secure experienced practitioners.
Demonstrated success working alongside Occupational Therapists and Nurses to manage complex patient outcomes makes you a valuable asset to healthcare employers.
Comparison
How Physiotherapists compare to related roles
A Physiotherapist typically earns in line with an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Pathologist, while commanding higher pay than an Exercise Physiologist due to a broader diagnostic scope. Against registered Nurse roles, Physiotherapists often progress faster in private practice.
| Role | Range | Relative | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist You are here | $75,000–$99,000 | $85,000 | |
| Nurse | $67,000–$108,000 | $84,000 | |
| Occupational Therapist | $74,000–$96,000 | $83,000 | |
| Speech Pathologist | $74,000–$95,000 | $83,000 | |
| Exercise Physiologist | $70,000–$86,000 | $77,000 |
Employment Hero Job Data
Salary figures are derived from Employment Hero proprietary data. All figures represent base salary only and exclude bonuses, superannuation and other benefits. Last updated October 2026.
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