Intro Section
Are you a qualified physiotherapist seeking rewarding opportunities across Ireland? Whether you’re looking for a permanent position in the HSE, a specialist role in private practice, or a hybrid arrangement, JobVacancies.ie connects you with the latest physiotherapy vacancies nationwide. With strong demand for physiotherapists in hospitals, community services, and emerging surgical hubs, now is an excellent time to advance your career.
Browse current physiotherapist job openings below, or read on to learn about the Irish physiotherapy job market, salary expectations, and career development pathways.
About Physiotherapy Jobs in Ireland
Physiotherapy is a fast-growing profession in Ireland, with increasing demand driven by healthcare system expansion and an ageing population. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is the largest employer, operating across hospital services, community care, mental health, and primary care. Private physiotherapy clinics, sports medicine centres, and specialist surgical hubs also offer diverse career paths.
The Irish Physiotherapy Landscape
Employer Overview: The HSE employs physiotherapists at various grades (Grade IV, V, VI, and VII). Entry-level positions typically require a Level 8 qualification (University degree) and RCPI (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) or equivalent registration. Senior positions may require additional specialist qualifications or management experience.
Emerging Opportunities: Recent investments in surgical hubs (particularly in Dublin, Cork, and Galway) have created new physiotherapist roles focused on pre- and post-operative rehabilitation. Community health initiatives and long-term care facilities also represent growing sectors.
Work Environment: Physiotherapists work in diverse settings including acute hospitals, community clinics, rehabilitation centres, sports facilities, and private practice. Roles may include clinical practice, team leadership, research, education, or service development.
Current Physiotherapist Jobs in Ireland
Physiotherapist Salary Guide Ireland
Salary Ranges by Role & Experience
Entry-Level Physiotherapist (0–2 years)
- HSE Grade IV: €32,000–€39,000 per annum
- Private Sector: €28,000–€35,000 per annum
- General Average: €30,000–€38,000
Senior Physiotherapist (5–10 years)
- HSE Grade V: €42,000–€52,000 per annum
- Private Sector: €38,000–€55,000 per annum
- Specialist Roles: €48,000–€60,000
Specialist / Advanced Practice (10+ years)
- HSE Grade VI–VII: €54,000–€68,000+ per annum
- Private Practice Owner: €50,000–€80,000+ (variable)
- Surgical Hub Roles: €50,000–€65,000
Factors Affecting Salary
- Qualifications: Specialist certifications (MSc, diploma programmes, BASES accreditation) can increase earnings by 5–15%
- Location: Dublin and larger cities typically offer 5–10% premium over rural areas
- Employer: HSE roles offer structured salary scales; private practice offers flexibility but higher variance
- Specialty: Orthopaedics, sports medicine, and neurology often command higher rates
Figures based on 2025 Irish healthcare salary benchmarks. Actual salaries vary by hospital, region, and employment terms.
Why Work as a Physiotherapist in Ireland?
Professional Development
Ireland’s healthcare system invests in continuing professional development. The HSE provides access to training programmes, conference attendance support, and professional networks. Physiotherapists can pursue advanced qualifications, specialisms, and management pathways without leaving the country.
Work-Life Balance
Many physiotherapy roles in Ireland offer flexibility, including part-time options, hybrid arrangements, and community-based positions with reasonable on-call rotations. The Irish healthcare culture increasingly emphasises staff wellbeing.
Diverse Career Paths
Clinical Practice: Specialise in orthopaedics, neurology, cardiorespiratory, women’s health, or paediatrics.
Leadership & Management: Progress to Senior Physiotherapist, Advanced Practitioner, or Service Manager roles.
Education & Research: Join university departments, research programmes, or develop training curricula.
Private Practice: Open your own clinic or join established private groups nationwide.
Strong Demand & Job Security
Physiotherapist vacancies consistently appear across Ireland due to expansion of healthcare services and low unemployment in the sector. The aging population and increased emphasis on rehabilitation create stable, long-term career prospects.
How to Apply for Physiotherapist Jobs
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Ensure you hold a recognised physiotherapy qualification (Level 8 Irish degree, EU qualification, or equivalent) and are registered with RCPI or the appropriate regulatory body. Non-EU applicants may require additional verification; check individual job postings for requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your CV
Include:
- Educational qualifications and awarding institutions
- Professional registrations (RCPI, AHPRA, etc.)
- Relevant certifications (MSc, specialist diplomas, manual therapy credentials)
- Work experience with dates, employer, and key achievements
- References from previous employers or supervisors
Step 3: Tailor Your Cover Letter
For HSE roles, highlight experience with specific patient groups (e.g., “5 years managing orthopaedic rehabilitation in acute care settings”). For private practice, emphasise patient communication and business acumen.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Submit via the JobVacancies.ie portal or directly to the employer as instructed. Include all supporting documents (certificates, references, registration proof). Meeting the closing deadline is essential.
Step 5: Prepare for Interview
Common physiotherapist interview questions include:
- Describe your approach to patient assessment and treatment planning
- How do you stay current with physiotherapy best practices?
- Tell us about a challenging patient outcome and how you managed it
- What attracts you to this specific role and organisation?
Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Popular Physiotherapy Specialisms in Ireland
Orthopaedic & Musculoskeletal (MSK): The most common specialism, focusing on bone, joint, and muscle injuries. High demand in acute hospitals and private clinics.
Neurology: Treating stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, and spinal cord injury patients. Growing demand in community services and rehabilitation centres.
Sports & Exercise Medicine: Prevalent in private clinics and sports facilities. Offers flexible working and specialist expertise.
Cardiorespiratory: Supporting patients with cardiac and pulmonary conditions. Significant role in acute hospital settings.
Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor: Emerging specialism with increasing recognition and demand in private and community settings.
Paediatrics: Working with children from birth through adolescence. Opportunities in community care and specialist centres.
Working in Different Irish Healthcare Settings
HSE (Health Service Executive)
The largest employer of physiotherapists in Ireland. HSE roles span acute hospitals, community care, mental health, and disability services. Positions offer structured career progression, competitive salaries, pension schemes, and professional development funding.
Typical Locations: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Sligo, Mayo, and other major cities.
Private Clinics & Independent Practice
Ireland has a thriving private physiotherapy sector. Clinics range from solo practitioners to multi-disciplinary teams. Private practice offers autonomy, flexible scheduling, and potential higher earnings but requires self-promotion and client management.
Common Locations: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and affluent suburbs.
Surgical Hubs
Recent investments in day-case surgical hubs (Dublin, Cork, Galway) create specialised physiotherapy roles focused on pre-operative assessment and post-operative rehabilitation protocols.
Sports Facilities & Gyms
Physiotherapists work in sports centres, fitness facilities, and athletic associations, offering injury prevention and performance enhancement services.
Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care
Community rehabilitation units, nursing homes, and chronic disease management centres employ physiotherapists for ongoing patient support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an Irish qualification to work as a physiotherapist in Ireland? A: No, but non-Irish graduates must have your qualification recognised by the relevant regulatory body (RCPI or AHPRA equivalent). EU and international qualifications are accepted with verification.
Q: What is the typical working week for a physiotherapist in Ireland? A: Most positions are 37.5–39 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Some private practices or sports roles may involve weekend or evening hours. Check individual job postings for specifics.
Q: Are there opportunities for part-time work? A: Yes, particularly in private practice and community care roles. HSE positions increasingly offer flexible arrangements, though full-time roles are more common for permanent positions.
Q: What’s the salary progression timeline? A: In the HSE, physiotherapists typically progress through grades over 5–15 years with regular incremental salary increases. Private practice progression depends on business performance and client base growth.
Q: Is continuing professional development required? A: Yes. RCPI requires ongoing CPD for registration renewal. Most employers, especially the HSE, actively support and fund professional development.
Q: What are the job prospects for physiotherapists in Ireland? A: Strong. Demand consistently outpaces supply due to healthcare expansion, aging population, and investment in rehabilitation services. Job security is excellent.
Regional Physiotherapy Job Opportunities
Dublin & Midlands: Highest concentration of HSE hospitals, private clinics, and surgical hubs. Salary premium due to cost of living.
South (Cork, Waterford, Kerry): Growing healthcare infrastructure and university physiotherapy programmes. Active private sector.
West (Galway, Mayo, Sligo): Emerging opportunities in surgical hubs and community expansion. Smaller job market but good work-life balance.
East Coast: Steady demand across Louth, Meath, Wicklow. Commutable to Dublin for remote-hybrid roles.
Browse jobs by region using JobVacancies.ie filters to find positions matching your preferred location.
Resources & Professional Bodies
- RCPI (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland): www.rcpi.ie – Registration and professional standards
- ASPI (Association of Physiotherapists Ireland): Professional body offering CPD and advocacy
- HSE Careers: www.hse.ie/careers – Official HSE recruitment portal
- AHPRA (Australia/NZ equivalent): For international applicants requiring verification
- Local Hospital Networks: Check individual hospital websites for career opportunities
Ready to Start Your Physiotherapy Career in Ireland?
Explore current vacancies, apply directly through JobVacancies.ie, or set up job alerts for new physiotherapist positions in your preferred location and specialism.
