Physical Therapist vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $2,430/year (2%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physical Therapist vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physical Therapist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,222 | $142,857 | Physical +$4,365 |
| New York, NY | $125,297 | $124,025 | Physical +$1,272 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,655 | $142,137 | Physical +$8,518 |
| Austin, TX | $111,606 | $108,921 | Physical +$2,685 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,575 | $105,288 | Physical +$3,287 |
| Boston, MA | $131,643 | $129,144 | Physical +$2,499 |
| London, UK | £79,889 | £76,976 | Physical +$2,913 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,561 | CA$136,460 | Physical $1,899 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physical Therapist is $102,760/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $2,430 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist?+
Physical Therapist roles are growing at 17% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physical Therapist to Occupational Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Patient Assessment.
Which is harder to automate — Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.