What Are the Best Paid Physiotherapy Jobs in the UK?

Working in physiotherapy is a rewarding career path in the UK, offering tremendous job satisfaction and good salaries. It’s a thriving area of healthcare that finds itself on the cutting edge, giving those who work in this field a chance to work in an innovative environment. There are many different specialisms that a physiotherapist can work towards, so in this article, we’ll look at the best paid physiotherapist jobs in the UK to help you find your perfect career path.

Paediatric Physiotherapist

Paediatric Physiotherapists specialise in treating infants, children, and adolescents to help with movement and functional issues. Their work primarily focuses on enhancing motor skills, strength, and coordination. The expertise of paediatric physiotherapist is essential for addressing developmental delays, congenital conditions, and injuries specific to young patients. This role requires an in-depth understanding of childhood development and the ability to engage effectively with children to make therapy a positive and empowering experience. Due to the specialist nature of the role, paediatric physiotherapist can earn anywhere from £32,000 to £45,000 per year depending on their experience.

Acute Care Physiotherapist

Acute care physiotherapist work in hospital settings where they assist patients with immediate rehabilitation needs. This may involve post-operative recovery or acute injury management. Their work is fast-paced and an essential part of treatment for the early stages of a patient's recovery. Salaries in this field are generally competitive, reflecting the demanding nature of the job and the need for quick, effective patient care.

Outpatient Facility Physiotherapist

These specialised physiotherapists work in outpatient clinics where they help patients recover from surgeries, injuries, or chronic conditions without the need for an overnight hospital stay. Their role involves developing personalised treatment plans to promote patient recovery over multiple sessions. The pay for outpatient facility physiotherapists is generally good, with opportunities for advancement and higher earnings through further specialisation or management roles.

Orthopaedic Physiotherapist

Orthopaedic physiotherapists specialise in the musculoskeletal system, helping patients recover from bone, joint, and muscle injuries. Their expertise is essential in various settings ranging from hospitals to private clinics. Given the specialised knowledge and skills required, orthopaedic physiotherapists earn decent pay, with average salaries sitting at around £32,000 per year.

Residential Senior Physiotherapist

Senior physiotherapists in residential settings oversee the delivery of physiotherapy services in facilities such as nursing homes or long-term care homes. Their role not only involves patient care but also administrative duties and team leadership. The seniority and added responsibilities typically translate into higher salaries compared to entry-level positions. On average, residential senior physiotherapists can earn anywhere between £33,000 to £40,000 per year.

Rehabilitation Physiotherapist

Rehabilitation physiotherapists focus on helping patients regain functionality after severe injuries or complex medical conditions. This role is found in settings such as specialised rehabilitation centres and hospitals. The expertise required in this field makes it a well-paid physiotherapy job, with therapists often developing subspecialties in areas like neurological or pediatric rehabilitation. On average, rehabilitation physiotherapists earn around £32,000 per year.

Kinesiotherapist

Kinesiotherapists use exercise and movement therapy to help improve patient mobility and health. Unlike some other types of physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy is often used for long-term conditioning rather than immediate post-injury care. Kinesiotherapists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, and fitness centres. Their salary depends largely on their setting and client base, but on average stand to earn £44,000 per year.

Locum Physiotherapist

Locum physiotherapists utilise a unique working arrangement to cover absent staff or to help manage high patient loads. Being a locum can offer higher hourly rates compared to permanent staff positions, along with the flexibility of short-term contracts and the opportunity to work in diverse settings. This role is ideal for those who prefer variety in their work environment and are looking for potentially higher earnings without long-term commitments. The hourly rate for a locum physiotherapist is up to £50 per hour, which can be a significant jump compared to similar permanently contracted roles.

Becoming a locum physiotherapist unlocks plenty of benefits that extend beyond an enhanced salary. You have an opportunity to develop skills and experience in a way that perfectly aligns with your career goals, as you get to choose what assignments you take on. You can strike the perfect work/life balance by choosing when you work, and can even enjoy a working holiday that lets you tour the UK and earn at the same time.

Find Your Financially Rewarding Career Path in Physiotherapy

The field of physiotherapy offers diverse pathways that are both professionally rewarding and well-compensated. The salaries in these roles vary based on factors such as your specialisation, location, experience, and type of employment. Working as a locum physiotherapist in particular offers tremendous flexibility in terms of how and where you work without compromising on excellent salary expectations. As the world of healthcare continues to change, the demand for skilled physiotherapists across these roles is expected to grow, ensuring that the profession remains both a lucrative and fulfilling career choice.

If you’re looking to do more with your physiotherapy career, then our team at Globe Locums can help you find the perfect locum opportunities for you. To find out more, please take a look at our latest vacancies or get in touch with our team if you have any questions.