Working as a physiotherapist can get you an average of US $75,000 annually. However, this figure depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a look into what you can earn on the basis of these factors.
- The starting salary of a physiotherapist is around US $50,000 depending upon the person’s educational qualifications, his employer and the state where he is working.
- A self-employed physiotherapist can earn the maximum amount of money, while federal government jobs and company jobs are the other high paying options.
- California and Texas are high paying states to work as a physiotherapist.
- The more qualified a person is in terms of education and experience, more the money he gets offered. Growth opportunities are phenomenal and salary increases with experience.
Physiotherapy is considered a lucrative career option as there is currently a huge demand all over the world for qualified physiotherapists. This demand is slated to grow even more over the years.
The money is also good, which you will realize after taking a look at the various salary ranges mentioned further.
Salary Range
A physiotherapist’s average salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – United States Department of Labor), in the year 2008 was US $74,410.
This is a very high figure emphasizing the fact that physiotherapists earn a good amount of money. The variations in salary range of a physiotherapist, on the basis of different factors are listed below.
Salary Range on Basis of Experience
Years of Experience | Salary Range |
0 to 1 year | $50,900 to $60,736 |
1 to 4 years | $52,600 to $64,157 |
5 to 9 years | $59,100 to $72,500 |
10 to 19 years | $62,800 to $78,000 |
More than 20 years | $63,900 to $80,900 |
Salary Range on Basis of Employer Type
Employer Type | Salary Range |
Company | $56,600 to $72,300 |
Non-Profit Organization | $53,900 to $69,800 |
Self Employed | $57,700 to $89,000 |
State or Local Government | $58,900 to $74,600 |
University or College | $49,200 to $68,100 |
Sports Team | $63,000 to $73,500 |
Private Firm | $54,600 to $69,000 |
Hospital | $52,800 to $67,500 |
Federal Government | $62,400 to $77,800 |
On Contract | $51,700 to $77,500 |
Salary Range on Basis of State
State | Salary Range |
Texas | $54,600 to $72,200 |
California | $59,900 to $79,900 |
New York | $52,900 to $67,400 |
Ohio | $55,500 to $69,300 |
Pennsylvania | $54,400 to $69,100 |
Illinois | $58,600 to $72,400 |
Florida | $57,700 to $72,500 |
Salary Range on Basis of Education
Educational Degree | Salary Range |
Bachelor of Science, Physical Therapy | $52,500 to $65,900 |
Master of Science, Physical Therapy | $55,100 to $70,200 |
Master of Physical Therapy | $56,700 to $70,100 |
Doctor of Physical Therapy | $52,500 to $65,100 |
PhD, Physical Therapy | $51,100 to $62,600 |
Note: All figures mentioned are in US $
Educational Qualifications
To become a physiotherapist, a person must have a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy. This is because a lot of institutes now have made it compulsory to have an undergraduate degree in physical therapy before applying for a master’s program. After attaining the master’s degree, the aspirant must successfully pass the various regional physical therapy examinations, in order to become a registered physiotherapist. Students interested in research, can further complete a PhD in neuroscience, orthopedics or any other related field of study.
Duties of a Physiotherapist
The various duties a physiotherapist needs to perform, form a part of the job description of a physiotherapist. His main job is to treat patients, of all ages, suffering from various physical disabilities arising from aging, illness or injury and those who have undergone medical surgery. A physiotherapist has to evaluate the patient’s physical condition and his physical ability. According to this evaluation, a physiotherapist prepares a treatment plan to help the patient recover from his physical ailment. It is aimed at restoring his mobility by helping him gain back his sense of balance and coordination, strength and flexibility and other motor skills. For this, a physiotherapist has to also adopt different approaches like, therapeutic exercises, stretches, massages, use of hydrotherapy and electrotherapeutic equipment like ultrasonic rays. Physiotherapists also advise patients on health promotion and ways to prevent injury.
A physiotherapist has a lot of options to choose from when it comes to workplace. Health care centers, hospitals, sports club, industries and private practice are the various choices available. A physiotherapist also helps in the treatment of a host of medical conditions, like, joints and orthopedics, neurological and chest conditions, fractures and injuries, obstetrics, abdominal condition and also certain terminal illnesses. A physiotherapist has to suggest a combination of manual exercises and mechanical techniques to treat or help patients recover from their ailments.
A look at the various physiotherapist salary ranges might tempt you to choose this as a career option only for money. However, it requires a lot of study and hard work over a period, before a person becomes a physical therapist and starts earning money.