Physical Therapist vs Pharmacist: 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.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and prevent errors.
Pharmacist earns more on average — the national median is $38,150/year (37%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physical Therapist vs Pharmacist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physical Therapist | Pharmacist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,222 | $208,483 | Physical $61,261 |
| New York, NY | $125,297 | $168,405 | Physical $43,108 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,655 | $199,024 | Physical $48,369 |
| Austin, TX | $111,606 | $160,336 | Physical $48,730 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,575 | $155,619 | Physical $47,044 |
| Boston, MA | $131,643 | $179,962 | Physical $48,319 |
| London, UK | £79,889 | £111,126 | Physical $31,237 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,561 | CA$184,236 | Physical $49,675 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physical Therapist or Pharmacist earn more?+
A Pharmacist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physical Therapist is $102,760/year, compared to $140,910/year for a Pharmacist — a difference of $38,150 (37%).
Which has better career growth — Physical Therapist or Pharmacist?+
Physical Therapist roles are growing at 17% YoY while Pharmacist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physical Therapist to Pharmacist?+
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 — Physical Therapist or Pharmacist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.