Physiotherapist
Guide people through exercise programmes that make it easier for them to walk or move without pain.

About the job
Salary (before tax)
Entry
£30,229

Experienced
£53,789
In this job, new workers in Scotland start around £30,229 per year. Experienced workers can earn up to £53,789.
Source:
NHSVacancy demand in Scotland
681 unique job postings for Physiotherapist roles in Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
Source: Based on vacancy data from Lightcast
A day in the life – Physiotherapist
What it's like
You would guide people though exercise programmes that make it easier for them to walk or move without pain. It would be up to you to work out what kind of treatment would be best for them.
You would help:
People with spine and joint problems, especially after an operation
Patients recovering from accidents, sports injuries and strokes
Children who have mental or physical disabilities
Older people with physical problems who want to become more mobile
There are a variety of treatments and techniques you could use, including:
Physical manipulation
Massage
Therapeutic exercise
Electrotherapy
Ultrasound
Acupuncture
Hydrotherapy
You’d show people how to increase their range of movement. You’d need to be patient and encouraging but also firm to ensure your patients follow the treatment that you recommend.
It would be important to keep accurate records of patients' treatment and progress.
There are various areas you could work in, including paediatrics, outpatients, intensive care, women's health and occupational health.
You’d work closely with other health professionals, such as nurses, occupational therapists, health visitors and social workers.
You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the physiotherapist page on the NHS Scotland Careers website. See the Learning and development section for information about career structure, progression and rates of pay.

Hours

Environment

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Top skills
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Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- physical therapy
- rehabilitation
- orthopedics
- human musculoskeletal system
- neurology
- pelvic health
- pelvic floor rehabilitation
- sports injuries
- gait analysis
- lymphedema management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- coaching
- time management
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- researching
- verbal communication
- listening
- cooperating

Your skills are important
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