Physiotherapist Jobs in Canada, From Permanent to Locum and Casual Work

Physiotherapy offers several ways to work, including permanent positions, temporary locum assignments and casual shifts. Availability and compensation vary by region, employer and contract. This guide explains what to compare before choosing your next role.

Are physiotherapists in demand in Canada?

Job Bank gives physiotherapists in Ontario a Moderate employment outlook for 2025-2027. It identifies employment growth as a source of new positions, while ratings differ between regions. An outlook is not a count of open jobs: check current listings and the report for the location where you want to work.

Compare opportunities in the locations and settings that suit your registration, experience and travel plans.

Where the physiotherapy jobs are

Physiotherapists can work in several settings, including:

• Private outpatient clinics, including musculoskeletal and sports-focused services

• Hospitals, for acute, surgical, and inpatient rehabilitation

• Home and community care

• Long-term care and rehabilitation centres

• Rural and remote programs

Compare the caseload, clinical support, travel, documentation time and compensation offered by each position.

What physiotherapists earn

Job Bank reports national physiotherapist hourly wages of CAD $30.00 at the low end, $46.15 at the median and $56.21 at the high end. These figures were updated November 19, 2025 using 2023-2024 Labour Force Survey data. They are reported wages, not Staffy rates or a complete range of independent contractor fees.

For each offer, compare the stated rate, paid hours, benefits, travel and other expenses. A higher advertised hourly figure does not by itself establish higher total earnings.

Permanent, locum, or casual

Permanent, locum and casual arrangements differ in their hours, duration and terms. Check the specific offer for benefits, guaranteed hours, cancellation terms and responsibilities rather than assuming that one arrangement always pays more.

It helps to know what each means:

• Permanent: an ongoing position; confirm its hours, caseload and benefits in the offer

• Locum: temporary cover for a defined stretch, a vacation, a leave, or a seasonal surge

• Casual: work offered as needed; confirm availability and scheduling expectations

How locum physiotherapy works

A locum covers a temporary need, such as a leave or a defined staffing gap. Assignments vary in duration and timing. Check current postings and confirm the start date, expected hours and end date with the organization.

Before accepting a locum assignment, check compensation, benefits, travel, cancellation terms and the support available at the site. Plan for any gaps between assignments; a premium rate or a particular seasonal peak is not guaranteed.

How to find flexible and locum shifts

Finding casual or locum work the old way meant cold-emailing clinics, tracking association boards, and negotiating each rate. An on-demand marketplace makes it direct. Shifts and short assignments get posted, you see the rate before you accept, and you choose the work that fits.

Staffy connects independent physiotherapists with clinics and facilities that need cover, from single shifts to longer blocks. To get started, you create a profile and verify your credentials. Before applying, confirm with Staffy whether your registration category and experience meet the current onboarding requirements. Physiotherapy assistants and residents should confirm their eligibility and any supervision requirements directly with Staffy. Confirm the health, background and other screening requirements for your role and facility with Staffy before accepting an assignment. Once you are verified, you can see shifts and assignments near you and choose the ones that fit your calendar.

Common questions

Is physiotherapy oversaturated in Canada? Conditions vary by region. Job Bank rates Ontario Moderate for 2025-2027; check its regional reports and current postings for your intended location.

What does locum physiotherapy pay? Rates depend on the assignment. Check the individual offer and distinguish employee wages from contractor fees, paid hours, benefits and expenses. The national Job Bank wage figures above are not a locum rate guarantee.

When is locum demand highest? Timing varies by organization and the reason for cover. Check current postings; this guide does not establish a nationwide peak season.

Do locums get benefits? Benefits depend on the terms and working arrangement. Confirm what is included in the individual offer before accepting.

Compare permanent, locum and casual opportunities against your needs. Before planning a start date with Staffy, confirm account approval, required documents and current onboarding availability in your region.

Ready to work on your terms? Browse physiotherapist shifts on Staffy and review current requirements and availability.

Sources checked October 19, 2026

Job Bank: physiotherapist wages in Canada

Job Bank: Ontario physiotherapist outlook