Skip to main content

Physiotherapy Career Pathway

Physiotherapists adopt a range of methods to improve a patient’s quality of life by reducing pain, increasing and maximising range of mobility whilst minimising the risk of greater injury. These methods include exercise, performing massage or stretching, and educating and empowering the patient to facilitate their own path back to health.1

1 Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) 2nd Edition, ABS Catalogue No. 1220.0, p131.

Image
A man performs exercises in the foreground, while another man is visible in the background, observing the activity.

Career outlook at a glance

36

Median age of Australian Physiotherapists (in years)

44,700

Physiotherapists workforce in Australia

$1,710

Median weekly earnings in Australia

Where do Physiotherapists work?

Physiotherapists work in a range of settings, including private practice, a rehabilitation centre, or in a hospital outpatient clinic. Physiotherapists may also work in sports alongside a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. Just over 25.7% work in New South Wales, and 25.1% work in Victoria and Queensland. 2

2 Jobs and Skills Australia. 2024.

How much do Physiotherapists earn?

According to Seek, the average annual salary in Australia for a Physiotherapist is between $85,000-$95,000. 3 They work an average of 41 hours per week.

3 Seek. September 2024. Physiotherapist Salary

Image
A man performs exercises in the foreground, while woman is visible in the background, observing the activity.

Specialisations

There are many settings in which physiotherapists are found:

  • Health research
  • Aged care
  • Sports
  • Private practice

What education do you need?

To become a physiotherapist, you need a Bachelor degree in physiotherapy, which can take up to five years of full-time study.

How long does education take?

  • A bachelor degree takes 4 years full-time.
  • A post-graduate master's degree or graduate diploma can be obtained online in 16 months part-time.
  • A graduate certificate can be obtained in a minimum of 8 months.

Download a course guide

Find more information on our course, including:

  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • Units
  • Online platform
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3

Latest articles

How to become a principal

The role of a principal goes beyond managing a school – it’s about shaping the future. Principals are educational leaders who inspire change, foster academic success and set the benchmark for…

Can you study a masters without a bachelors degree?

Postgraduate study usually requires a bachelors degree as a prerequisite – but if you haven’t completed an undergraduate degree, earning a masters qualification isn’t out of the question.

How to manage team dynamics for better business performance

The key to any successful organisation is a functional and high-performing team.
Back to top