Introduction
Physiotherapy has emerged as one of the most in-demand professions worldwide due to the rise of lifestyle disorders, post-operative rehabilitation needs, or sports injuries. As a result, many students after completing 12th PCB are choosing the Bachelor of Physiotherapy as a career pathway.
In this context, one of the common questions students often ask is “What is the salary of a physiotherapist in India”?
In this blog, let’s break down the salaries of physiotherapists based on experience, job role, government vs private sector, salary abroad, and the factors influencing the pay of BPT graduates.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy – Course Overview
Bachelor of Physiotherapy is a four-and-a-half-year undergraduate course, which includes a 6-month internship. The course focuses on training the students to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mobility issues through various therapeutic exercises.
Factors Influencing Physiotherapist Salary
Here is a list of factors that influence physiotherapist earning-
Salary increases gradually after 3-5 years of clinical experience
Metro cities, such as Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and others, offer higher salaries due to higher living costs and increased demand for healthcare services.
Renowned hospitals offer higher salaries compared to private setups or small clinics.
Some of the specialized domains, such as ortho, sports, and neuro have much higher scope and paid higher remuneration.
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Skills and Certifications
Additional skills and certification give a boost to your CV by improving your clinical expertise and contribute to increase in your payscale.
Physiotherapist Salary in India
1. Physiotherapist Salary for Freshers
The BPT salary for freshers in India ranges from 2 LPA to 4 LPA, i.e. 15,000 -33,000 per month and it depends on various factors, including location, employer.
2. Physiotherapist Salary with Experience
With experience, the salary of physiotherapy professionals increases significantly.
| Experience level | Salary range |
| 1- 3 years – Early career | 2 – 4.8 LPA |
| 2- 6 years – Mid level | 2.4 – 10 LPA |
| 8+ years- Senior/ Specialists | 12+ LPA |
Note: Senior specialists with strong clinical skills, add-on certifications, and internships at reputed hospitals earn on the higher side.
3. Physiotherapist Salary Per Month Based on Job Roles
Different roles in physiotherapy provide different packages. And, here is the list of various career options in physiotherapy and their corresponding salaries.
1. Clinical Physiotherapists
- Freshers – 12,000- 25,000
- Experienced- 20,000 – 45,000+
- Senior roles can earn up to 1 lakh with specialized skills, certifications, and experience at reputable hospitals
2. Sports Physiotherapists
- Freshers – 12,000 – 30,000
- Experienced- 20,000 – 45,000
- Senior roles can earn up to 80,000+ per month with specialization.
- Government job- 25,000(for contract roles)
70,000+ (for permanent roles)
3. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist
- Freshers- 12,000 – 20,000
- Experienced- 20,000 – 45,000
- Government jobs- 25,000- 40,000 (for entry-level)
50,000- 1,00,000(for experienced)
4. Neurological Physiotherapists
- Freshers- 20,000 – 30,000
- Experienced- 30,000 – 45,000
- Private practice can be lucrative with a good patient base
5. Paediatric Physiotherapists
- Freshers- 10,000 – 30,000
- Experienced- 40,000 – 55,000
- Senior specialists- 70,000 – 80,000+
6. Geriatric Physiotherapists
- Freshers – 12,000 – 20,000
- Experienced- 20,000 – 40,000
- Government jobs- 25,000(contract roles)
80,000(permanent roles)
- Private practice- Typically can start from 25,000 to 1 lakh per month
7. Private clinic / Private Practice
A private clinic professional earns approximately Rs 20,000 – 1 lakh. However, with ample years of experience and reputation, private practitioners earn a profitable income.
4. BPT Government Jobs Salary Per Month
Government hospitals hire physiotherapists. And, their salaries are determined by their concerned state and central government policies, and as per the pay commission rules.
| Job Level | Salary range (INR per month) |
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Senior Physiotherapists | 40,000 – 60,000 + |
| Chief Physiotherapists | 60,000 – 1,00,000 + |
Government jobs after BPT can be witnessed in:
- Government hospitals
- Military hospitals
- ESIC hospitals
- Primary health centers
- Government school
In addition to decent remuneration, government jobs after BPT provide assorted benefits, including:
- Paid leaves
- Decent work-life balance
- PF
- Pension benefits
5. BPT Salary Per Month in a Private Hospital
Physiotherapists working in private hospitals often earn more than those at government hospitals. However, their remuneration depends on various factors, such as location, experience, and employer type.
| Type of Hospital | Salary range (INR per month) |
| Small clinics | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Medium-sized hospitals | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| High-end hospitals | 40,000 – 80,000 |
6. Bachelor of Physiotherapy Salary in Abroad
India has the world’s top Physiotherapists, and there is a huge global demand for licensed physiotherapists worldwide. If you have a BPT degree, then you can consider moving abroad for further career opportunities.
Have you wondered why most countries want physiotherapists? Here are a few reasons for the same:
- Due to a rise in the aging population, the world needs more rehabilitation centers and physiotherapists.
- Due to lifestyle disorders
- Indian BPT graduate are globally known for their strong clinical skills
Here are a few countries where you can work after completing BPT:
| Country | Annual Salary | License | Language Test |
| Canada | $70,000 – $90,000 CAD | CAPR | IELTS |
| Australia | $60,000 – $85,000 AUD | APC assessment | IELTS |
| UK | £29,970 – £70,000 | Register with HCPC | IELTS/OET |
| Germany | €30,000 to €65,000 | Kenntnisprüfung
or Fachsprachprüfung | B2 German |
| UAE | AED 247,000 | DHA, DOH, MOHAP | Clearing the professional qualification requirement and basic English communication skills |
Glossaries- - CAPR– Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy
- DHA– Dubai Health Authority
- DOH-Department of Health
- MOHAP– Ministry of Health and Prevention
- HCPC– Health and Care Professions Council
- APC- Australian Physiotherapy Council
Is BPT a Good Career Choice?
Yes definitely. A Bachelor of Physiotherapy is an excellent career option for aspiring students who are passionate about providing hands-on therapy, rehabilitation, and patient care. The salary of physiotherapists with approximately 3-5 years of experience is lucrative both in India and abroad.
Career growth opportunities for BPT graduates can be witnessed in:
- Fitness centers
- Hospitals
- Private practice
- Sports
- Rehabilitation centers
Conclusion
Pursuing a BPT degree not only opens doors to a financially rewarding career in the healthcare sector but also provides job satisfaction, long-term security, and flexibility. In addition to financial opportunities, physiotherapists find satisfaction in assisting patients to recover from physical ailments and lead healthier lives.
With an aging population and rising awareness of health, the demand for physiotherapists is expected to increase in the near future.
