Health Informatics Specialist vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Health Informatics Specialist
Manage and analyse healthcare data systems to improve patient outcomes.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average — the national median is $13,820/year (13%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Health Informatics Specialist vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Health Informatics Specialist | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $167,045 | $147,222 | Health +$19,823 |
| New York, NY | $137,525 | $125,297 | Health +$12,228 |
| Seattle, WA | $166,153 | $150,655 | Health +$15,498 |
| Austin, TX | $130,205 | $111,606 | Health +$18,599 |
| Chicago, IL | $123,750 | $108,575 | Health +$15,175 |
| Boston, MA | $155,128 | $131,643 | Health +$23,485 |
| London, UK | £92,602 | £79,889 | Health +$12,713 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$156,673 | CA$134,561 | Health +$22,112 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Health Informatics Specialist or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Health Informatics Specialist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Health Informatics Specialist is $116,580/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $13,820 (13%).
Which has better career growth — Health Informatics Specialist or Physical Therapist?+
Health Informatics Specialist roles are growing at 22% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Health Informatics Specialist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Health Informatics Specialist 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 — Health Informatics Specialist or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.