Physician Assistant vs Respiratory 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.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $54,407/year (67%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Respiratory Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Respiratory Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $120,057 | Physician +$74,114 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $97,873 | Physician +$63,760 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $118,754 | Physician +$48,536 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $89,357 | Physician +$60,047 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $89,921 | Physician +$54,145 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $108,564 | Physician +$68,068 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £61,769 | Physician +$46,109 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$110,580 | Physician +$72,165 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Respiratory Therapist earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $81,473/year for a Respiratory Therapist — a difference of $54,407 (67%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Respiratory Therapist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Respiratory Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant to Respiratory 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 Respiratory Therapist?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.