Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a newly qualified Physiotherapist in the UK?
For the 2025/26 period, new physiotherapists joining the NHS usually start at Band 5. Their starting salary is £31,049. In the private sector, starting salaries are similar. However, they can change based on the clinic's location and patient type. They usually range from £30,000 to £34,000.
How much more can I earn as a Locum Physiotherapist compared to a permanent role?
Does working in London increase my Physiotherapy salary?
Article Breakdown
How Much Does a Physiotherapist Earn in the UK?
NHS Physiotherapy Salary Bands (Agenda for Change 2025/26)
Private Practice vs. Locum Physiotherapy
Factors That Influence Your Salary
Why Find Your Next Physiotherapy Role with Your World?
How Much Does a Physiotherapist Earn in the UK?
As of 2026, the average salary for a Physiotherapist in the UK typically ranges from £31,049 to over £60,000. Several factors influence your take-home pay. These include your years of experience, the field you work in, and whether you are in the public or private sector.
Estimated Annual Salaries by Role Level
| Role Level | NHS Band (Base) | Private Sector (Estimated) |
| Newly Qualified | £31,049 – £37,796 | £30,000 – £36,000 |
| Senior/Specialist | £38,682 – £46,580 | £38,000 – £52,000 |
| Advanced/Team Lead | £47,810 – £54,710 | £50,000 – £65,000+ |
| Consultant/Manager | £55,690 – £105,337+ | £60,000 – £85,000+ |
NHS Physiotherapy Salary Bands (Agenda for Change 2025/26)
Most physiotherapists in the UK work for the NHS. This means the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales govern pay. For the 2025/26 period, salaries have seen an uplift to reflect the rising cost of living.
- Band 5 (Entry Level): Newly qualified physiotherapists start here once HCPC registered. Salaries range from £31,049 and can rise to £37,796 with experience.
- Band 6 (Specialist): After gaining experience in a specific area (like MSK or Neuro), you move to Band 6. You can earn between £38,682 and £46,580.
- Band 7 (Advanced/Team Lead): Senior roles with management or advanced clinical duties earn £47,810 to £54,710.
- Band 8a-d (Consultant/Manager): Highly specialised consultants or department heads can earn between £55,690 and £105,337.
Note on London Weighting: If you work in or around London, you are eligible for the High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS). This can add 5% to 20% to your basic salary. The amount depends on whether you are in the Fringe, Outer, or Inner London zone. There are also minimum and maximum cash values (caps) linked to these zones.
Private Practice vs. Locum Physiotherapy
The NHS provides clear career paths and good pensions. However, many Physiotherapists turn to private and locum work to earn more or have greater flexibility.
1. Private Sector Salaries
In private practice, salaries are less rigid. Starting salaries may be similar to those in the NHS. However, senior therapists in boutique clinics, sports clubs, or occupational health can often negotiate better pay. Some packages can exceed £70,000 for those with special skills.
2. Locum Physiotherapy
Working as a locum through an agency like Your World Healthcare is often the fastest way to maximise your income. Employers typically pay locum rates hourly, and they can exceed standard salaried roles.
- Band 6 Locum Rates: Can range from £25 to £45 per hour, depending on the setting.
- Band 7 Locum Rates: Often exceed £35 to £50+ per hour.
A full-time locum can realistically earn between £50,000 and £75,000 per year, while enjoying the freedom to choose their own contracts and locations.
Factors That Influence Your Salary
- Experience: Moving up through pay steps within a band happens every 2-5 years in the NHS.
- Specialisation: Specialisms like Emergency Care, Respiratory, and Paediatrics are currently in high demand, often commanding higher locum rates.
- Location: Areas with high demand and low supply (such as rural communities or London) offer the most competitive pay.
- Work Setting: Switching from a permanent role to a contract or locum position can provide an immediate financial boost.
Why Find Your Next Physiotherapy Role with Your World?
At Your World Healthcare, we specialise in connecting talented physiotherapists with the best-paying roles across the UK. If you want a stable job with the NHS, we can help.
Our Physiotherapy team can also assist you in finding locum work. This can give you the opportunity to earn more money.
Ready to see what you could be earning? Browse our latest Physiotherapy Jobs here.
