Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $33,120/year (32%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $147,222 | Physician +$46,949 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $125,297 | Physician +$36,336 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $150,655 | Physician +$16,635 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $111,606 | Physician +$37,798 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $108,575 | Physician +$35,491 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $131,643 | Physician +$44,989 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £79,889 | Physician +$27,989 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$134,561 | Physician +$48,184 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $33,120 (32%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Physical Therapist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant 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 — Physician Assistant or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.