Physiotherapy Jobs for International PTs

Discover career opportunities, salary expectations, and pathways to employment in the Australian physiotherapy sector

Australian Physiotherapy Job Market

35,000+
Registered PTs
8.5%
Job Growth Rate
$72,000
Median Salary
High
Demand Rating

Employment by Sector

Hospital

Public and private hospitals, acute care, rehabilitation units

35%
of workforce
Salary Range:$70,000 - $95,000 per year

Private Practice

Private clinics, sports physiotherapy, musculoskeletal focus

45%
of workforce
Salary Range:$65,000 - $85,000 per year

Community Health

Aged care, NDIS, home visits, community programs

15%
of workforce
Salary Range:$68,000 - $88,000 per year

Other Sectors

Research, education, occupational health, consulting

5%
of workforce
Salary Range:$75,000 - $100,000 per year

High Demand Specialities

🏃‍♂️

Sports & Musculoskeletal

High demand in private practice and sports clinics

15% above average salary

🧠

Neurological Rehabilitation

Growing need in hospitals and specialist centers

Strong job security

👴

Aged Care & Gerontology

Expanding sector with aging population

Multiple pathways available

👶

Paediatric Physiotherapy

Shortage in schools and children's hospitals

Excellent work-life balance

💼

Occupational Health

Corporate wellness and injury prevention

Higher salary potential

🏥

Cardiorespiratory

Critical need in ICU and acute care

Sponsorship opportunities

Opportunities by State

Metropolitan Areas

Sydney (NSW)$75,000 avg

Highest salaries, competitive market

Melbourne (VIC)$73,000 avg

Diverse opportunities, sports focus

Brisbane (QLD)$71,000 avg

Growing market, lifestyle balance

Perth (WA)$74,000 avg

Mining sector opportunities

Regional & Rural Areas

Higher demand + Incentives: Rural areas offer relocation assistance, higher salaries, and easier visa sponsorship

  • Up to $10,000 relocation bonus
  • Accommodation assistance available
  • Professional development funding
  • Faster pathway to permanent residency

Visa & Sponsorship Options

Employer Sponsorship

  • TSS 482

    Temporary Skill Shortage

    2-4 years, pathway to PR

  • ENS 186

    Employer Nomination

    Direct permanent residency

  • RSMS 187

    Regional Sponsored

    For regional positions

Independent Visas

  • 189

    Skilled Independent

    Points-based, no sponsor

  • 190

    State Nominated

    State sponsorship required

  • 491

    Regional Skilled

    5 years, regional areas

💡 Tip for International PTs:

Physiotherapy is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making you eligible for various visa options and priority processing.

Where to Find Jobs

Job Boards

  • • Seek.com.au
  • • Indeed Australia
  • • Physiotherapy Jobs Australia
  • • HealthcareLink
  • • APA Career Centre

Major Employers

  • • State health departments
  • • Ramsay Health Care
  • • Healthscope hospitals
  • • Back In Motion
  • • Allsports Physiotherapy

Professional Networks

  • • Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • • LinkedIn physio groups
  • • State physio associations
  • • Clinical interest groups
  • • University alumni networks

Ready to Start Your Australian Physio Career?

Get our comprehensive guides to registration and job hunting