Early-Career salaries for physiotherapists
Most newly qualified physiotherapists begin their careers in the NHS, where pay is structured by national bands:
- NHS Band 5 (newly qualified): approximately £27,000-£36,000
- Many graduates spend their first 1-2 years in Band 5 roles, gaining essential clinical experience
- Salary progression is built into the banding system, so earnings rise with each year of service
Some graduates go directly into private practice or sports rehabilitation, where starting salaries can vary between £25,000-£32,000, depending on the employer and location.
Earnings after gaining experience
As physiotherapists become more experienced, earnings increase through clinical specialisation, seniority, or advanced practice roles.
Typical ranges include:
- Band 6 (experienced physiotherapist): £33,706-£40,588
- Band 7 (senior / specialist): £41,659-£47,672
- Band 8a (advanced / consultant-level): £48,526-£54,619+
- Private sector and sports roles may exceed these levels for highly specialised practitioners
These roles often involve responsibilities such as supervising junior staff, leading clinics, or managing specialist caseloads.
What affects how much a physiotherapist earns?
Several factors influence earnings in the first few years:
- Work setting - NHS, private clinic, sports, community, or independent practice
- Specialism - MSK, neuro, respiratory, women’s health, or advanced practice roles
- Shift patterns - weekend and on-call work can add to NHS pay
- Further qualifications - postgraduate training can lead to higher-band positions
These can significantly shape earning potential over the first 5–10 years of practice.
Career progression and long-term earnings
Physiotherapists have excellent long-term prospects. With experience, many progress to roles such as:
- Senior or specialist physiotherapist
- Advanced clinical practitioner
- Clinical lead or team manager
- Private clinic owner or specialist MSK practitioner
- Research, teaching, or consultant-level practice
Earnings can therefore grow far beyond initial graduate salaries, especially in specialist or private-sector roles.
