Physical Therapy Around the World: Compensation Trends in 2025
Hiring & Salaries
Physical therapists support people’s mobility, strength, and recovery across many settings—from hospitals and outpatient clinics to home health and senior living. There’s a strong global demand for PTs, but compensation varies widely depending on location, sector, and experience. Below is a look at what PTs earn in different regions today.
United States
The average wage for a physical therapist in the U.S. is around $54.29 per hour, based on recent Indeed postings, with a range typically between $35 and $85 per hour.
Senior physical therapists tend to earn more. Indeed reports an average annual salary of $131,654 in more advanced roles.
Large outpatient providers like Select Medical list average annual PT salaries around $85,834/year.
There is strong variability depending on setting. PTs working in specialty rehab clinics, home health, or telehealth often earn more than those in small community clinics or school settings.
Canada
In Canada, physiotherapy salaries tend to fall in a competitive range, especially in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario. One source cited a global range of USD 70,000–85,000 for Canadian PTs, which reflects relatively healthy pay compared to many other countries.
The Canadian credentialing process and immigration pathways also make Canada an attractive destination for PTs trained overseas.
United Kingdom
Physiotherapist salaries in the UK vary depending on whether the job is with the NHS or private practice, and on experience level. In government-run roles, the NHS pay scale means structured pay bands and steady progression.
Exact hourly wage data from Indeed wasn’t available in the searches, but entry-level UK hires often start in the lower band ranges and can progress to senior roles or specialty settings that pay more.
Australia
Australia remains a strong market for physiotherapists, with entry-level salaries around AUD 60,000–70,000/year and experienced therapists reporting salaries that exceed AUD 100,000/year.
Demand is high in both public and private sectors, and the licensing process is well-defined through agencies like AHPRA.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers appealing compensation for PTs, with reported salary ranges between NZD 60,000 and 85,000 per year in many parts of the country.
Rural postings often come with additional incentives, and the work-life balance is a strong draw for many therapists relocating or seeking long-term roles.
Other Regions
Some international guides list Canada, Australia, and New Zealand among the top global markets for physiotherapists because of demand, salary, and quality of life.
In highly regulated developed markets, earning potential tends to be higher, but requirements for accreditation and immigration may also be stricter.
What Drives Salary Differences?
Healthcare funding models: Countries with strong public healthcare systems tend to offer stable base salaries, while private clinics and rehabilitation facilities can offer higher pay, bonuses, or premium rates.
Demand and workforce density: High demand in urban centers or regions with aging populations often drives up pay. Regions with fewer PTs per capita generally offer better compensation for qualified therapists.
Licensing and credentialing: Regions with simpler credentialing or easier immigration policies can attract more PT talent, which affects local salary dynamics.
Role specialization: PTs who specialize in areas such as sports rehab, neuro-rehabilitation, or telehealth often command higher rates or add-on service fees and bonuses.
Bringing It Back to You
If you're a PT exploring career options, whether domestically or internationally, it’s worth taking time to compare not just salary figures but licensing requirements, immigration pathways, regional demand, and sector differences.
Looking for your next role as an OT?
At Liricare, we partner with schools, clinics, and government programs to offer flexible, high-quality opportunities for therapists across the U.S. Whether you're seeking school-based, clinic-based, or teletherapy roles, we may have something that fits.
👉 Check out our current openings: https://www.liricare.com/jobs
New roles are added every week — full-time, part-time, W2 and 1099 options available.
Physical therapists support people’s mobility, strength, and recovery across many settings—from hospitals and outpatient clinics to home health and senior living. There’s a strong global demand for PTs, but compensation varies widely depending on location, sector, and experience. Below is a look at what PTs earn in different regions today.
United States
The average wage for a physical therapist in the U.S. is around $54.29 per hour, based on recent Indeed postings, with a range typically between $35 and $85 per hour.
Senior physical therapists tend to earn more. Indeed reports an average annual salary of $131,654 in more advanced roles.
Large outpatient providers like Select Medical list average annual PT salaries around $85,834/year.
There is strong variability depending on setting. PTs working in specialty rehab clinics, home health, or telehealth often earn more than those in small community clinics or school settings.
Canada
In Canada, physiotherapy salaries tend to fall in a competitive range, especially in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario. One source cited a global range of USD 70,000–85,000 for Canadian PTs, which reflects relatively healthy pay compared to many other countries.
The Canadian credentialing process and immigration pathways also make Canada an attractive destination for PTs trained overseas.
United Kingdom
Physiotherapist salaries in the UK vary depending on whether the job is with the NHS or private practice, and on experience level. In government-run roles, the NHS pay scale means structured pay bands and steady progression.
Exact hourly wage data from Indeed wasn’t available in the searches, but entry-level UK hires often start in the lower band ranges and can progress to senior roles or specialty settings that pay more.
Australia
Australia remains a strong market for physiotherapists, with entry-level salaries around AUD 60,000–70,000/year and experienced therapists reporting salaries that exceed AUD 100,000/year.
Demand is high in both public and private sectors, and the licensing process is well-defined through agencies like AHPRA.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers appealing compensation for PTs, with reported salary ranges between NZD 60,000 and 85,000 per year in many parts of the country.
Rural postings often come with additional incentives, and the work-life balance is a strong draw for many therapists relocating or seeking long-term roles.
Other Regions
Some international guides list Canada, Australia, and New Zealand among the top global markets for physiotherapists because of demand, salary, and quality of life.
In highly regulated developed markets, earning potential tends to be higher, but requirements for accreditation and immigration may also be stricter.
What Drives Salary Differences?
Healthcare funding models: Countries with strong public healthcare systems tend to offer stable base salaries, while private clinics and rehabilitation facilities can offer higher pay, bonuses, or premium rates.
Demand and workforce density: High demand in urban centers or regions with aging populations often drives up pay. Regions with fewer PTs per capita generally offer better compensation for qualified therapists.
Licensing and credentialing: Regions with simpler credentialing or easier immigration policies can attract more PT talent, which affects local salary dynamics.
Role specialization: PTs who specialize in areas such as sports rehab, neuro-rehabilitation, or telehealth often command higher rates or add-on service fees and bonuses.
Bringing It Back to You
If you're a PT exploring career options, whether domestically or internationally, it’s worth taking time to compare not just salary figures but licensing requirements, immigration pathways, regional demand, and sector differences.
Looking for your next role as an OT?
At Liricare, we partner with schools, clinics, and government programs to offer flexible, high-quality opportunities for therapists across the U.S. Whether you're seeking school-based, clinic-based, or teletherapy roles, we may have something that fits.
👉 Check out our current openings: https://www.liricare.com/jobs
New roles are added every week — full-time, part-time, W2 and 1099 options available.