Healthcare Administrator vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Healthcare Administrator
Manage hospital or clinic operations, staff, and compliance.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Healthcare Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $21,100/year (21%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Healthcare Administrator vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Healthcare Administrator | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $182,245 | $147,222 | Healthcare +$35,023 |
| New York, NY | $147,855 | $125,297 | Healthcare +$22,558 |
| Seattle, WA | $160,100 | $150,655 | Healthcare +$9,445 |
| Austin, TX | $136,150 | $111,606 | Healthcare +$24,544 |
| Chicago, IL | $136,063 | $108,575 | Healthcare +$27,488 |
| Boston, MA | $164,627 | $131,643 | Healthcare +$32,984 |
| London, UK | £98,123 | £79,889 | Healthcare +$18,234 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,190 | CA$134,561 | Healthcare +$28,629 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Healthcare Administrator or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Healthcare Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a Healthcare Administrator is $123,860/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $21,100 (21%).
Which has better career growth — Healthcare Administrator or Physical Therapist?+
Healthcare Administrator roles are growing at 28% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Healthcare Administrator has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Healthcare Administrator 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 — Healthcare Administrator or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.