Medical Coder vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $46,182/year (82%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Medical Coder vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Medical Coder | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $83,101 | $147,222 | Medical $64,121 |
| New York, NY | $69,765 | $125,297 | Medical $55,532 |
| Seattle, WA | $79,430 | $150,655 | Medical $71,225 |
| Austin, TX | $64,839 | $111,606 | Medical $46,767 |
| Chicago, IL | $59,692 | $108,575 | Medical $48,883 |
| Boston, MA | $75,244 | $131,643 | Medical $56,399 |
| London, UK | £44,852 | £79,889 | Medical $35,037 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$75,011 | CA$134,561 | Medical $59,550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Coder or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Medical Coder is $56,578/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $46,182 (82%).
Which has better career growth — Medical Coder or Physical Therapist?+
Medical Coder roles are growing at 9% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Medical Coder 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 — Medical Coder or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.