Working as a Physiotherapist
Industry Overview
There is high demand for physiotherapists in British Columbia. Currently there are more job openings than number of new graduates. Employers are looking to hire qualified physiotherapists from other countries to meet their needs.
Industry sources anticipate demand will increase due to greater health awareness and interest in preventative measures among British Columbians. Job openings will also arise from the need to replace retiring workers or to fill in for those on maternity leave.
While there are shortages throughout the province, you may find more job vacancies in Metro Vancouver, the northern regions, and some areas of Vancouver Island. For employers in areas that have a harder time attracting people in this job, the B.C. provincial government has offered student loan forgiveness programs to physiotherapist graduates who choose to work in these regions.
The range of techniques and services provided by physiotherapists is constantly changing due to new information, technology, and service demands. You will be expected to participate in continual learning through professional development courses throughout your career.
More information:
Job Outlook in BC
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2022-2032
| Region | Employment in 2022 |
Average Annual Employment Growth |
Estimated Number of Job Openings |
| Vancouver Island / Coast | 570 | 1.9% | 280 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest | 2,870 | 1.7% | 1,300 |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 620 | 1.1% | 250 |
| Kootenay | 180 | 0.0% | 60 |
| Cariboo | 120 | 0.0% | 0 |
| North Coast & Nechako | 40 | 0.0% | 0 |
| Northeast | 30 | -4.0% | -10 |
You can learn more about working as a physiotherapist from:
Types of Employers
Physiotherapists work in many settings including:
- hospitals
- private clinics
- home care
- child-development centres
- extended-care facilities
- health-planning agencies
You may work as part of a health-care team. You also perform many independent duties.
Salary & Working Hours
The median annual salary for physiotherapists in BC is $86,323. Your salary depends on experience, location, level of responsibility and employer.
In addition to a salary, most full-time physiotherapists receive health and dental benefits, paid sick days, and paid vacations.
Some physiotherapists belong to unions, which means your salary rates and benefits are negotiated on your behalf by union representatives.
Across BC, physiotherapists can expect to make:
Source: Job Bank Wage Report
Working Hours
Full-time professionals in the public setting (such as hospitals) generally work a 36-hour week. Evening and weekend work may be required. Those in private practice generally work 36–50 hours per week.
Some jobs, especially in rural regions and in home care, may require you to travel.
Source: WorkBC Career Profile
Working Hours
Full-time professionals in the public setting (such as hospitals) generally work a 36-hour week. Evening and weekend work may be required.
Those in private practice generally work 36–50 hours per week.
Some jobs, especially in rural regions and in home care, may require you to travel.
Source: WorkBC Career Profile