
How Much Do Osteopaths Make?
How Much Do Osteopaths Make? Private vs Public Practice Salaries
Whether you’re changing your career or just starting out, considering your new salary is likely to play a part in your decision. Healthcare careers can have a vast array of salary ranges, so it’s important to have full transparency and be fully informed before you make a career decision.
What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a non-invasive hands-on approach to healthcare that views the body as a holistic system. It emphasises the relationship between the structure of the body and its function. Recognised as an Allied Health Profession by NHS England, osteopathy addresses a wide range of health issues, such as chronic pain, sports injuries, headaches and arthritis.
What do Osteopaths study?
A successful and rewarding career in osteopathy starts with a diverse and hands-on education. Students pursuing an osteopathy degree delve into subjects that provide a detailed understanding of how the human body works. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, and a range of therapeutic techniques like palpation, soft-tissue manipulation, and joint movement.
Reflective practice, research, and critical thinking are integral parts of the programme, as well as business skills to help graduates transition seamlessly into private practice. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, students leave equipped to handle real-world scenarios in both private and public practice.
How much do Osteopaths make?
Osteopathy is not necessarily a traditional 9-to-5 job, which means the earning potential can reflect this.
If you’re asking yourself: “how much do osteopaths make?”, it’s important to consider that salaries vary significantly depending on whether an osteopath works in private practice or within the NHS.
Private practice earnings
The majority of osteopaths in the UK work in private practice. Here, their income can vary widely, with earnings ranging from £45 to £130 per hour. These rates are influenced by factors such as location, patient base, and level of experience. Highly experienced practitioners, or those operating in more affluent areas, can earn upwards of £100,000 per year – a significant milestone achieved by about 5% of osteopaths.
Private practice offers flexibility and the opportunity to build a loyal client base, but it also comes with the responsibility of managing a business. This includes marketing, administration, and maintaining professional development, which adds a layer of complexity but also allows for greater income potential.
Public sector salaries
Osteopaths working in the NHS typically earn a salary comparable to physiotherapists. Newly qualified osteopaths often start at Band 5 or 6 roles, with salaries ranging from £28,407 to £34,581 per year. While these roles offer more predictable income and benefits such as public sector pensions and paid leave, they may lack the earning potential seen in private practice.
However, public sector roles often involve working as part of multidisciplinary teams, offering a collaborative environment and the chance to specialise further as a Musculoskeletal (MSK) clinician. This offers fantastic opportunities for those wanting to advance their osteopathy career.
Where do Osteopaths work?
Most osteopaths find employment in private practice. These settings can range from standalone osteopathy clinics to multidisciplinary health centres where they collaborate with physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals.
Opportunities in the public sector are growing, with the NHS increasingly recognising the significant value osteopaths bring to musculoskeletal healthcare. These roles are still relatively niche compared to private practice but provide a structured career path if you’re looking for steady, reliable employment.
Private vs public: pros and cons
Aspect | Private Practice | Public Practice (NHS) |
Earning Potential | Higher, variable; potential to exceed £100K | Stable; capped within salary bands but advantage of advanced pension, maternity and sick leave |
Flexibility | High; control over schedule and rates | Fixed working hours |
Job Security | Dependent on building a client base | Secure, with public sector benefits |
Professional Growth | Independent; can specialise or expand practice | Collaborative; access to NHS resources |
Work Environment | Independent or small teams | Larger multidisciplinary teams |
Making the choice that’s best for you
Deciding between private and public practice completely depends on your personal goals, financial aspirations, and preferred working style. If you value entrepreneurial freedom and possibly high earning potential, private practice may be the right fit. On the other hand, if you prefer job security, collaboration, and structured career growth, a public sector role might be more appealing.
Becoming an Osteopath with the LSO
Now you know how much osteopaths earn, it might be time to look at study options. At the London School of Osteopathy, our flexible study pathways, including part-time and weekend course s, accommodate career changers and those balancing personal commitments. By focusing on hands-on clinical training and business acumen, we prepare graduates for success in any professional setting.
If you’re interested in learning more about our courses, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us or book an open day.
The post How Much Do Osteopaths Make? appeared first on LSO.
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