Physical Therapist vs Veterinarian: 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.
Veterinarian
Diagnose and treat illness and injury in companion animals and livestock.
Veterinarian earns more on average — the national median is $33,028/year (32%) 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 Veterinarian — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physical Therapist | Veterinarian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,222 | $194,106 | Physical $46,884 |
| New York, NY | $125,297 | $161,125 | Physical $35,828 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,655 | $198,083 | Physical $47,428 |
| Austin, TX | $111,606 | $153,696 | Physical $42,090 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,575 | $146,633 | Physical $38,058 |
| Boston, MA | $131,643 | $172,898 | Physical $41,255 |
| London, UK | £79,889 | £107,404 | Physical $27,515 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,561 | CA$183,478 | Physical $48,917 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physical Therapist or Veterinarian earn more?+
A Veterinarian earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physical Therapist is $102,760/year, compared to $135,788/year for a Veterinarian — a difference of $33,028 (32%).
Which has better career growth — Physical Therapist or Veterinarian?+
Physical Therapist roles are growing at 17% YoY while Veterinarian demand is growing at 19% YoY. Veterinarian has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physical Therapist to Veterinarian?+
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 Veterinarian?+
Veterinarian has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.