Genetic Counselor vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Genetic Counselor
Assess hereditary disease risks and counsel patients on genetic testing options.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $3,182/year (3%) higher than a Genetic Counselor. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Genetic Counselor vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Genetic Counselor | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,022 | $147,222 | Genetic $6,200 |
| New York, NY | $120,948 | $125,297 | Genetic $4,349 |
| Seattle, WA | $145,082 | $150,655 | Genetic $5,573 |
| Austin, TX | $110,879 | $111,606 | Genetic $727 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,510 | $108,575 | Genetic $65 |
| Boston, MA | $130,390 | $131,643 | Genetic $1,253 |
| London, UK | £77,497 | £79,889 | Genetic $2,392 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,338 | CA$134,561 | Genetic +$777 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Genetic Counselor or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Genetic Counselor is $99,578/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $3,182 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Genetic Counselor or Physical Therapist?+
Genetic Counselor roles are growing at 18% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Genetic Counselor has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Genetic Counselor 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 — Genetic Counselor or Physical Therapist?+
Genetic Counselor has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.