Optometrist vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Optometrist
Examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe corrective lenses.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Optometrist earns more on average — the national median is $33,810/year (33%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Optometrist vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Optometrist | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $199,281 | $147,222 | Optometrist +$52,059 |
| New York, NY | $165,439 | $125,297 | Optometrist +$40,142 |
| Seattle, WA | $195,352 | $150,655 | Optometrist +$44,697 |
| Austin, TX | $156,968 | $111,606 | Optometrist +$45,362 |
| Chicago, IL | $148,787 | $108,575 | Optometrist +$40,212 |
| Boston, MA | $179,596 | $131,643 | Optometrist +$47,953 |
| London, UK | £107,249 | £79,889 | Optometrist +$27,360 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$178,931 | CA$134,561 | Optometrist +$44,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Optometrist or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Optometrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Optometrist is $136,570/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $33,810 (33%).
Which has better career growth — Optometrist or Physical Therapist?+
Optometrist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Optometrist 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 — Optometrist or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.