Career change after 5 years of physio: 7 realistic options (including what they deliver)

You love the job, but something is no longer right. Perhaps it is the administrative burden that continues to grow. Or the salary that doesn't outweigh the workload. Maybe you don't recognize yourself in the physical therapist you thought you were going to be.

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That feeling is familiar to many physios. In practice, it appears that 70% of primary care physiotherapists are considering leaving the sector. Not because you no longer like treatment, but because the preconditions are wrong.

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Good news: you're not stuck. You are evolving. And there are more routes than you think.

First, the numbers

Because let's be honest, the salary often plays a part in your choice.

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In the Netherlands, as a physio with 5 years of experience, you earn between €3,900 and €4,300 gross per month. After deduction of tax and with an average of 3.8 hours of unpaid work per week, a net amount of around €2,600 to €2,900 remains.

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On the other hand, you are highly educated, responsible and work with complex problems. Many physios feel that this is disproportionate.

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What if you could use those 5 years of experience elsewhere?

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Option 1: Switzerland (higher salary, less administration, more appreciation)

Imagine: the same passion for treatment, but without the administrative burden. And with a salary that is correct.

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As a physio with 5 years of experience earn money in Switzerland around €6,000 to €6,500 gross per month, plus a 13th month. That is converted to around €85,000 gross per year. Net income is between €4,500 and €5,200 each month, depending on the canton (province) where you work.

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What does it give?

The difference isn't just in the salary. You work without a Handle Index and with much less paperwork. You get 25 to 45 minutes per patient, so you finally have time to really treat instead of dealing quickly. And via takeoff, you are immediately part of a international network of physios who have taken the same step. The practical picture: you can save between €1,300 and €2,000 a month.

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The great thing is that you just stay a physio. You love the job, but you finally get the space and appreciation that comes with it. Takeoff will also see if we can do something for your partner, so that you can embark on the adventure together.

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Before you go, a tip. Learn German. That's your ticket to better working conditions and a life where you have breathing space again. We help you with a own teacher and the right guidance, from your work permit to your first day of work.

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Check out our open vacancies in Switzerland.

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Option 2: Specialization (earning more with fewer patients)

Maybe your physio wants to stay in the Netherlands, but with more depth. A specialization gives you the space to focus on what really interests you. Think of manual therapy for more complex problems with longer treatments. Or sports physiotherapy, where you work with top athletes or gyms. Dry needling is popular as an additional technique that increases your rate immediately. And pelvic physiotherapy remains a niche with a lot of demand and little supply.

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You earn an additional €300 to €800 per month and treat fewer patients per day (8-10 instead of 14-16). This is more satisfying through deeper treatment processes and a better negotiating position among employers. The disadvantage: you invest 1-3 years in training alongside work. And you remain in the same system, with the same administrative burden.

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Option 3: Business physio (fixed hours, structure, better salary)

Occupational physiotherapy is a world that many physios overlook. You work at large organizations such as PostNL, NS or municipalities, where you focus on prevention and reintegration instead of acute complaints. You advise on ergonomic workplaces, provide training to groups of employees and guide people in returning to work after illness or injuries.

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The salary is between €4,200 and €5,200 per month, you work 9 to 5 without evening shifts and the work is physically less stressful. You work with HR departments and occupational health services. It is a different dynamic than treatment: less hands-on, more guidance and advice. Perfect if you like the social and educational part of physio the most.

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Option 4: Rehabilitation or hospital (multidisciplinary, deeper courses)

In the second line, you work more intensively with patients. Not 20 minutes, but often weeks to months of guidance. You are part of a multidisciplinary team of doctors, occupational therapists and psychologists, and you deal with more complex problems such as stroke, spinal cord injuries or orthopedic procedures.

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The salary according to the health care collective agreement is between €4,000 and €4,800 per month. You get more depth in your treatments, better career opportunities and less administrative pressure than in primary care. Note: the work is physically harder and you often work in shifts. But for many physios who are tired of the hectic pace of primary care, this feels like a breath of fresh air.

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Option 5: Education or research (sharing knowledge instead of treating it)

What if you can combine your passion for exercise with teaching? As a lecturer at a university of applied sciences or in refresher courses, you supervise future physios. You teach, supervise interns and develop educational material. You often need a master's degree for research, but teaching is also possible with work experience.

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The salary is between €3,800 and €5,000 per month, with many vacation days and intellectually challenging work that is less physically demanding. It is a career switch that you will gradually grow towards. For example, start with guest lectures or supervising interns.

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Option 6: Care Management (Managing Instead of Treating)

You know healthcare from within. That knowledge is worth gold for leadership positions. As a practice manager, you run the daily organization of a physiotherapy practice. You can become a rehabilitation coordinator in a hospital, where you manage the patient flow and the team. Physical therapy team leader or quality coordinator are also logical steps.

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The salary is between €4,500 and €6,000 per month for strategic work with opportunities to advance to higher management positions. You work normal office hours, but the disadvantage is clear: you are no longer a physio in the immediate sense. Many managers miss treatment and opt for a hybrid form.

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Option 7: Hybrid (2 days of physio, 3 days different)

This is the safest route if you are unsure. You keep one foot in physical therapy and explore something new at the same time. Think of 2 days of treatment and 3 days of coaching athletes. Or 2 days of primary care and 3 days of teaching. Some work in a clinic for 3 days and have their own practice for 2 days. Or 2 days of physio in the Netherlands and 3 days of freelance projects abroad.

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You have financial security thanks to your physical income, space to experiment without a big gamble, and you discover what you really want. Many physios who go abroad start like this: first working part-time in Switzerland, then expanding if you like it.

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You are not stuck, you are evolving

After 5 years of physio, doubting is not surprising. It means knowing what you want and what you don't want.

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Perhaps the solution is a specialisation. Maybe it's a step abroad. Or a hybrid form where you combine the best of both worlds.

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Most importantly, you don't have to choose between your passion for care and a life that suits you.

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Ready to take the next step?

Whether you want to go to Switzerland, are considering a specialization, or just want to discuss your options, we are happy to think along with you. We also look at what is possible for your partner.

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Take contact join us or check out all our articles about working in Switzerland.

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Because sometimes the best career switch isn't a switch at all, but a fresh start with the same passion.

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