Registered Dietitian vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Dietitian
Provide evidence-based nutritional guidance and meal plans for individuals.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $26,360/year (35%) higher than a Registered Dietitian. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Dietitian vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Dietitian | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $111,580 | $147,222 | Registered $35,642 |
| New York, NY | $91,691 | $125,297 | Registered $33,606 |
| Seattle, WA | $107,646 | $150,655 | Registered $43,009 |
| Austin, TX | $84,638 | $111,606 | Registered $26,968 |
| Chicago, IL | $82,536 | $108,575 | Registered $26,039 |
| Boston, MA | $98,403 | $131,643 | Registered $33,240 |
| London, UK | £59,011 | £79,889 | Registered $20,878 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,162 | CA$134,561 | Registered $33,399 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Dietitian or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Dietitian is $76,400/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $26,360 (35%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Dietitian or Physical Therapist?+
Registered Dietitian roles are growing at 11% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Dietitian to Physical Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Dietitian or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 26%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.