In New Zealand, physiotherapists are essential healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat individuals experiencing physical movement limitations, pain, or injuries. Working across hospitals, private practices, and community settings—often in partnership with ACC—they design tailored rehabilitation programs to restore mobility and prevent future dysfunction. Their role is vital in helping New Zealanders of all ages manage chronic conditions, recover from injury, and maintain an active, healthy quality of life. Day-to-day work involves assessing patients, designing rehab plans, and helping people build strength and confidence back into everyday movement. Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, supported by good communication skills, is fundamental to the role. Physiotherapists work closely with doctors, surgeons, and employers through the ACC system. The profession offers diverse pathways into sports, private practice, hospital, and community roles.

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Total Remuneration Range

Base salary + bonuses, based on 2 submissions

Minimum Wage
$49,816
Living Wage
$62,192
Median
$72,500
90th Percentile
$74,500
Minimum Wage
$23.95/hr
$49,816/year
1.5×
This role pays 1.5 times the minimum wage
+46%
Living Wage
$29.90/hr
$62,192/year
1.2×
This role pays 1.2 times the living wage
+17%
National Wage Percentile
$72,500
median salary for this role
Top 39.7%
This role's median is higher than 60.3% of all NZ wage/salary earners
1,128,830 earners at or above this salary
Source: IRD Wage & Salary Distributions — March 2026

Common questions about Physiotherapist pay

Based on 2 anonymous submissions

What is the median salary for Physiotherapist in New Zealand?

Across 2 anonymous submissions, the median total salary for a Physiotherapist in New Zealand is $72,500 per year. Total remuneration ranges from about $70,500 (10th percentile) to $74,500 (90th percentile).

How does Physiotherapist pay compare with NZ wage benchmarks?

A full-time median of $72,500 per year compares with the NZ minimum wage of $49,816 per year and the living wage of $62,192 per year.

What does a Physiotherapist earn at each experience level?

Median pay by experience: Mid (3-5 Yrs) $75,000.

Most Common Perks

Based on 2 submissions

Viewing perks for selected submission
  • Flexible Working Hours 100%
    • Remote / Hybrid WFH 0%
      • Health Insurance 0%
        • KiwiSaver Match > 3% 0%
          • Extra Annual Leave (5+ Weeks) 0%
            • Free Parking 0%

Pay by Experience Level

Median salary progression

Mid (3-5 Yrs)
$75,000

All Submissions (2)

Click a submission to see its perks
$70,000
Auckland 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026
$75,000
Christchurch / Canterbury 3 - 5 years (Intermediate) Sep 2026

Salary by Location

Christchurch / Canterbury
$75,000 $75,000 $75,000
Auckland
$70,000 $70,000 $70,000