Future Payouts: A Comparative Analysis of Income Prospects for Physiotherapists in France’s Public and Private Sectors in 2024 – How Practice Choice Impacts Earnings

Introduction

The profession of physiotherapist is a growing profession, with an ever-increasing demand for quality care. In France, there are currently around 90,000 physiotherapists, almost half of whom work in private practice. As the year 2024 fast approaches, it is interesting to analyze the remuneration prospects for these healthcare professionals and how these may vary depending on the sector of practice (public or private), the region and the mode practice (liberal or salaried). In this article, we will also discuss the changing demographics and its effect on the demand for physical therapy services.

Remuneration of physiotherapists: public vs private sector

Physiotherapist salaries vary considerably between the public and private sectors. On average, a physiotherapist starting out in the public sector can expect to earn around €1,900 gross per month. This amount increases gradually with experience and can reach up to €3,200 gross monthly after several years of practice.

In the private sector, particularly for those who choose to work as freelancers, incomes are generally higher. Indeed, a beginner private physiotherapist can hope to earn on average between €3,000 and €4,000 net per month. However, these amounts do not take into account expenses linked to self-employed practice, such as office rent, social security contributions or even administrative management.

Impact of region of practice on remuneration

Physiotherapist income can also vary depending on the region of practice. Indeed, certain regions offer greater remuneration opportunities than others due in particular to their demographics and the number of professionals already established. Thus, the Île-de-France and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions are often considered to be those where it is possible to receive the best salaries.

However, it is also important to take into account the cost of living in each region as well as competition between practitioners to better understand the geographic impact on remuneration.

Choice between working as a freelancer or being an employee: advantages and disadvantages

The choice between practicing as a private or salaried physiotherapist will mainly depend on the personal and professional preferences of the practitioner. Each mode of exercise has its advantages and disadvantages:

• Liberal exercise: Potential income is generally higher, but it is necessary to take into account expenses and administrative management. Furthermore, the private physiotherapist must also assume responsibility for developing his patient base and maintaining a regular flow of clients.
• Salaried exercise: Incomes are often lower than those of self-employed physiotherapists, but the practitioner benefits from a certain job security as well as social benefits (paid leave, social security coverage, etc.). In addition, administrative constraints are less for an employee.

Demographic evolution and demand for physiotherapy services

With an aging population and increased awareness of the importance of preventative and rehabilitative care to overall health, the demand for physical therapy services is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. According to INSEE, the number of dependent elderly people could increase significantly by 2040. This represents an opportunity for professionals in the sector who will have to adapt to the specific needs linked to aging.

Furthermore, with the emergence of new technologies such as telemedicine or artificial intelligence applied to physical rehabilitation, the professional prospects for physiotherapists remain promising in the long term.

To go further: contact Maddie Kiné

To find out more about the remuneration prospects for physiotherapists in France, do not hesitate to contact Maddie Kiné. Our team of experts will be happy to support you in your professional project and answer all your questions. Also take advantage of a free demo to discover our platform and our services.