Physiotherapist salary in Germany — gross vs net, by experience

Entry-level physiotherapists in Germany typically earn in the region of €2,700–€3,400 gross per month, rising with experience, specialisation and collective agreements; hospital roles under TVöD tend to pay more than small private practices. Roughly 60–70% of gross reaches your bank account after income tax, health insurance, pension, unemployment and care insurance — the exact share depends on your tax class, church tax and state. During an Anpassungslehrgang you earn less, because you are paid as an assistant until licensure.

What drives the number

Collective agreement — public hospitals pay under TVöD with defined steps; private practices negotiate freely
State — pay and cost of living are both higher in Bayern, Baden-Württemberg and Hamburg than in much of the east
Setting — acute hospital, rehabilitation clinic, outpatient practice and home care pay differently
Experience steps — TVöD moves you up a step after defined years of service
Specialisation — manual therapy, Bobath, lymphatic drainage and sports physiotherapy certificates add earning power

Gross to net, in practice

Deductions are income tax (dependent on your Steuerklasse), solidarity surcharge where applicable, statutory health insurance, long-term care insurance, pension and unemployment insurance. A single person in tax class I keeps a smaller share than a married sole earner in class III. Model your own case with our salary calculator and cross-check regional data in the Entgeltatlas.

What you earn before full licensure

During the adaptation period you work under supervision and are usually paid as an assistant — meaningfully less than a licensed therapist. Treat it as a paid training phase: the step up comes with the Berufsurkunde, so the fastest way to raise your income is to finish German and the adaptation measure quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Is a physiotherapist salary in Germany enough to live on?

Yes for a single person in most cities, with rent the largest variable. Budget carefully in Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg, where rents are highest.

Do physiotherapists earn more in hospitals or private practices?

Hospitals paying under TVöD usually pay more and offer clearer progression; private practices can offer flexibility and faster entry.

Can I send money home?

Most therapists can, once rent and insurance are covered — but expect the first months, with deposit and setup costs, to be tight.

MedUniverse guides Indian physiotherapists and occupational therapists through this end to end — German language training up to B2, document translation and apostille, the recognition file, employer interviews and relocation. Book a free consultation or see current openings.