What does a physiotherapist earn in 2025?

How much does a physiotherapist earn in 2025?

The interest in physiotherapy as a profession has been increasing in recent years, and with a growing focus on public health and rehabilitation, physiotherapists are in high demand in the Norwegian labor market. But what can you really expect to earn as a physiotherapist in 2025? Here’s a complete overview of salary levels, factors influencing the salary, and tips for those considering a career in physiotherapy.

Average salary for physiotherapists 2025

According to Statistics Norway (SSB)’s latest update, the average salary for a physiotherapist in Norway in 2025 is approximately 573,000 kroner per year before tax. This corresponds to a monthly salary of around 47,800 kroner. The figures cover both public and private sectors, with variations depending on employment conditions and experience.

Salary development in recent years

The salary level has steadily increased in recent years, and especially after the pandemic, the need for rehabilitation and preventive healthcare has increased the demand for physiotherapists. From 2022 to 2025, the salary has risen by about 3.5 % annually, in line with price increases and negotiations between trade unions and employers.

What influences the salary of a physiotherapist?

There are several factors that affect how much you can earn as a physiotherapist in Norway:

• Public vs. private sector: There are small, but noticeable differences in salary between state/municipality and private practice. In the private sector, with high competence and patient influx, you can earn significantly more.
• Experience and further education: The starting salary for newly graduated physiotherapists is around 470 000 kroner annually, but it rises quickly as you gain experience. After ten years, it is not unusual to earn over 600 000 kroner per year, especially for those with further education.
• Specialization: Physiotherapists who have specialized skills (for example in orthopedics, neurology, or sports physiotherapy) often achieve higher salaries and more job opportunities.
• Geography: Salaries can vary between regions and between urban and rural areas, where higher salaries are often offered in rural districts to attract qualified labor.
• Employment form: Permanent employees typically have predictable salaries, while hired and self-employed professionals may have large income variations based on client base and individual agreements.

Job openings for physiotherapists

An increasing health need in the population means that new positions for physiotherapists are constantly being advertised across the country. There is especially a demand for expertise in rehabilitation, pediatric physiotherapy, elderly care, and work-related physiotherapy.

Examples of workplaces

• Community health services (rehab, health center, nursing home, school health services)
• Hospitals (specialist health services)
• Private clinics or interdisciplinary health centers
• Own business practice
• Sports clubs, NAV, or in occupational health services

Career opportunities and further education

Interested in pursuing physiotherapy as a career or advancing further? Many choose to specialize in areas such as pediatric physiotherapy, manual therapy, or psychomotor physiotherapy. This not only enhances your professional weight but can also provide significantly higher salaries and more job opportunities.

There are also several educational offers at the master's level within physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and some pursue further education in management or health promotion to work with project development or research.

Job market: Is it easy to find a job as a physiotherapist?

The physiotherapy market in Norway is considered safe with low unemployment. Municipal positions typically have permanent hires with secure frameworks, while private players offer greater flexibility and varying income opportunities.

Especially after the corona pandemic, the significance of preventive and follow-up health has become even more apparent. This gives increasingly exciting opportunities for those who want a varied and meaningful workday.

Salary negotiations and tips for you as a physiotherapist

To achieve the highest possible salary as a physiotherapist, you should consider the following actions:

• Join a trade union and familiarize yourself with the collective agreement
• Regularly pursue further education to enhance your competence
• Be open to working in various sectors – experience from both private and public sectors can count positively
• Consider working in rural areas for higher starting salaries and greater responsibilities

At Lønna.no, you will always find updated job listings with salary information and can easily compare different workplaces and salary levels. Here you will also find tools to create CVs, write applications, and keep track of the application process – all securely gathered on one page. This way, you can focus on developing yourself in the job and aim for a secure future.

Summary

The salary for physiotherapists in Norway in 2025 is around 573,000 kroner per year, but varies significantly based on experience, workplace, and specialization. Focus on building expertise and be open to new challenges, as the future prospects for you as a physiotherapist are both secure and promising.

Source: SSB Statistics Bank, Table 11418: Monthly salary by occupation (2025)