Whether you're looking to set up your own physiotherapy practice, or you're simply curious about the average salary of your neighboring physiotherapist, this article will give you a comprehensive overview of the income earned by this specialist of the human body.
What is a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist, more commonly known as a kiné, is a healthcare professional specializing in motor and functional rehabilitation. They use manual techniques, therapeutic exercises and a variety of equipment to treat and prevent movement disorders and associated pathologies. Their role is essential in restoring the physical capabilities of patients of all ages.
To find out more, take a look at our job description for physiotherapists.
Factors influencing physiotherapist salaries in 2024
There are a number of factors that determine a physiotherapist's salary:
- Experience: a beginner physiotherapist will generally earn less than a professional with several years' practice.
- Location : salaries can vary depending on the region in which the practitioner works. These differences are linked to population density, cost of living and demand for medical care.
- Status: whether working as a salaried employee or as a self-employed practitioner, physiotherapists are free to set their own rates in exchange for fiscal and administrative responsibility for the location they occupy.
Average salary for physiotherapists in France in 2024
Based on the above criteria, it is possible to determine how much a physiotherapist earns. Here is a non-exhaustive average:
- Confirmed physiotherapist :
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- Salaried : from €2800 to €3500 gross per month.
- Self-employed: between €3000 and €3500 net per month.
In addition, physiotherapists who specialize in high-demand sub-categories will have an extra argument when it comes to negotiating their remuneration when applying for a physiotherapist job.
Impact of specializations on physiotherapist salaries
Specializations in physiotherapy can add value to your expertise and increase your income, all thanks to rarer, more personalized treatments. While there are many ways to make your skills more sought-after, here's a list of the main ones:
- Specialization in sports physiotherapy: physiotherapists specializing in sports physiotherapy can enjoy higher salaries, particularly if they work with professional sports clubs or top athletes.
- Specialization in pediatrics and geriatrics: specialization in pediatrics or geriatrics can offer lucrative opportunities. These fields require specific skills and a tailored approach that can bring financial rewards to the physiotherapists who work in them.
- Other specializations: other specializations, such as neurological rehabilitation or respiratory physiotherapy, can also increase the income potential of physiotherapists.
Career prospects and salary increases for physiotherapists
As with other healthcare professions, a physiotherapist's career prospects are not limited to specialization. There are other ways in which they can develop their income alongside their duties:
- Promotion and management: physiotherapists can move into management or coordination positions, for example, by becoming department heads in hospitals or clinics. These positions generally offer higher salaries and additional benefits, even if they take practitioners away from the core business.
- Teaching: physiotherapists who choose to go into teaching at physiotherapy training institutes can also earn competitive salaries, depending on their experience and level of qualification.
- Client development: setting up and running your own private practice remains a very attractive option for many physiotherapists. This allows you to set your own rates and generate substantial income, especially if the practice is well located and has a good reputation.
Did you enjoy this article and would you like to learn more? Find out more in our physiotherapist studies section!