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Physiotherapist Salary in Adelaide

Healthcare

Physiotherapists help patients recover from injuries and improve physical function.

Average Salary
$81,000
per year
Take-Home Pay
$64,292
after tax (no HECS)
Salary Range
$59-117k
$81K
$59K$117K

Job Market Outlook

Low AI Risk

Physical or high-touch work with limited AI automation potential

In Demand

More jobs than qualified candidates in Australia

+18% growth

Strong projected employment growth over 5 years

Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List

Physiotherapist Take-Home Pay Breakdown in Adelaide

Based on the average Physiotherapist salary of $81,000 in Adelaide, here's what you can expect to take home after tax, Medicare levy, and superannuation.

ComponentWithout HECSWith HECS
Gross Salary$81,000$81,000
Income Tax-$15,088-$15,088
Medicare Levy (2%)-$1,620-$1,620
HELP/HECS Repayment$0-$2,430
Superannuation (11%)+$8,910+$8,910
Annual Take-Home$64,292$61,862
Monthly Take-Home$5,358$5,155
Fortnightly Take-Home$2,473$2,379

Calculate Your Exact Take-Home Pay

Enter your actual salary to see a personalized breakdown including your specific tax situation, HECS debt, and family status.

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Your salary
$81,000
Take-home$64,292
Tax-$15,088
Super+$8,910

How to Become a Physiotherapist

Everything you need to know about breaking into a career as a Physiotherapist in South Australia.

Qualifications Required

Essential Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited university
  • Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (AHPRA)
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificate
Preferred Qualifications
  • Postgraduate specialization in sports, musculoskeletal, or neurological physio
  • Experience in clinical placements across multiple settings
  • Research experience or publications
Relevant Certifications
Titled Physiotherapist (APA) in specialty areasDry needling certificationClinical Pilates instructor certification

Career Progression

Salary Growth Trajectory
$61KEntry$81KMid$101KSenior$122KLead
Entry Level

Graduate Physiotherapist

$60,750
estimated in Adelaide
0-2 years
Mid Level

Physiotherapist

$81,000
estimated in Adelaide
2-5 years
Senior Level

Senior Physiotherapist

$101,250
estimated in Adelaide
5-10 years
Leadership

Principal Physio / Practice Owner

$121,500
estimated in Adelaide
10+ years

Skills in Demand

Sports injury rehabilitationAged care and falls preventionTelehealth deliveryChronic pain managementPost-surgical rehabilitation

Tips for Breaking In

  1. 1Complete varied clinical placements during study
  2. 2Consider working in different settings (hospital, private, sports)
  3. 3Develop a specialty area to differentiate yourself
  4. 4Build strong referral networks with GPs and specialists
  5. 5Private practice ownership can significantly increase earnings

Career information is general guidance based on industry standards. Requirements may vary by employer and location.

Physiotherapist Hourly Rate in Adelaide

Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):

Entry Level
$30/hr
Average
$41/hr
Senior
$59/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physiotherapist earn in Adelaide?

The average Physiotherapist salary in Adelaide is $81,000 per year, or approximately $41 per hour. Salaries range from $58,500 to $117,000 depending on experience.

What is the take-home pay for a Physiotherapist in Adelaide?

A Physiotherapist earning $81,000 in Adelaide takes home approximately $64,292 per year after tax, or $5,358 per month. With a HECS debt, take-home drops to $61,862 per year.

How much do Physiotherapists make per hour in Adelaide?

Physiotherapists in Adelaide earn approximately $41 per hour on average, based on a 38-hour work week. Entry-level rates start around $30/hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $59/hour.

Is Adelaide a good place to work as a Physiotherapist?

Adelaide offers Physiotherapist salaries around average in Australia at $81,000. The city has a cost of living index of 82 (Sydney = 100), meaning living costs are lower than Sydney.

About Physiotherapist Salaries in Adelaide

The average Physiotherapist in Adelaide, South Australia earns $81,000 per year, or approximately $41 per hour. Salaries typically range from $58,500 for entry-level positions to $117,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.

After income tax, Medicare levy, and other deductions, a Physiotherapist earning the average salary in Adelaide can expect to take home approximately $64,292 per year, or $5,358 per month.

Adelaide is home to approximately 1.4 million people and has a cost of living index of 82 (where Sydney = 100). This means living costs in Adelaide are lower Sydney.

Key Factors Affecting Physiotherapist Salaries

  • Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $58,500, while senior roles can reach $117,000.
  • Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Physiotherapist roles.
  • Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
  • Location: Adelaide's cost of living influences salary expectations.
  • Hourly Rate: Based on a 38-hour week, Physiotherapists earn $$30-$59 per hour.

Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.