Median annual salary: $97,760 · Range: $70,720 – $128,960 · Source: Government of Canada Job Bank (NOC 31202)
Annual figures assume 2,080 paid hours/year (40 hrs × 52 wks). Regional multiplier 1.00× applied to national Job Bank wage data.
Physiotherapists assess and treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions through exercise, manual therapy, and education. Private clinic and hospital roles are both common. MPT degree and registration with the provincial college is mandatory.
Select an experience level for a detailed breakdown with negotiation advice specific to Ottawa, ON:
| Experience | Low | Median | High | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $53,000 | $81,000 | $116,000 | |
| Mid-Level (3–6 years) | $67,000 | $100,000 | $142,000 | |
| Senior (7–12 years) | $78,000 | $117,000 | $168,000 | |
| Expert / Executive (12+ years) | $88,000 | $139,000 | $206,000 |
Physiotherapists in Ottawa work in a mix of private clinical practice and publicly funded rehabilitation settings; sports medicine and workplace-injury rehabilitation command the highest private-sector billing rates.
Ottawa is Canada's capital and one of the most stable employment markets in the country. The federal public service is the dominant employer, offering defined-benefit pensions and excellent job security. The tech corridor along the 417 — anchored by Shopify HQ, Kinaxis, and dozens of federal contractors — creates strong demand for software, cybersecurity, and data professionals.
Top hiring sectors:
Notable employers: Ottawa Hospital, Montfort Hospital, CHEO, Bruyère Health, Ottawa Public Health, University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Based on Government of Canada Job Bank data (NOC 31202, 2024), the median annual salary for a Physiotherapist in Ottawa, ON is approximately $97,760. The typical range runs from $70,720 at the 25th percentile to $128,960 at the 75th percentile, depending on experience, employer size, and specialization.
Below the national average. Ottawa, ON's regional wage multiplier is 1.00× the national benchmark for this occupation. The national median for Physiotherapist is approximately $97,760/yr before regional adjustment.
The primary drivers are years of experience, employer size, industry sector, and professional certifications or designations. In Ottawa, ON, the dominant employers for this role are in federal government and defence & security, which set the market rate locally. Specialization and a track record of measurable outcomes are the fastest paths to the upper end of the range.
The median Physiotherapist salary of $97,760/yr places you at the 50th percentile for this occupation in Ottawa, ON. Given Ontario's cost of living, this provides a comfortable lifestyle for individuals and a reasonable foundation for a household. Use the JobCoach AI Salary Benchmarker to compare your specific situation against current market data.
Come prepared with market data (this guide plus at least two additional sources), a concise summary of your impact in previous roles, and a specific target number — not a range. In Ottawa, ON, the top sectors hiring Physiotherapists include federal government and defence & security, where competing offers are the strongest leverage. Always negotiate total compensation, not just base salary.
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