Physician (General Practice) vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $143,850/year (143%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $142,857 | Physician +$220,733 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $124,025 | Physician +$170,347 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $142,137 | Physician +$211,504 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $108,921 | Physician +$163,519 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $105,288 | Physician +$150,307 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $129,144 | Physician +$182,075 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £76,976 | Physician +$24,968 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$136,460 | Physician +$157,677 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician (General Practice) is $244,180/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $143,850 (143%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Occupational Therapist?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) to Occupational 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 (General Practice) or Occupational Therapist?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.