Physician (General Practice) vs Pharmacist: 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.
Pharmacist
Dispense medications, counsel patients on drug therapies, and prevent errors.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $103,270/year (73%) higher than a Pharmacist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Pharmacist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Pharmacist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $208,483 | Physician +$155,107 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $168,405 | Physician +$125,967 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $199,024 | Physician +$154,617 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $160,336 | Physician +$112,104 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $155,619 | Physician +$99,976 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $179,962 | Physician +$131,257 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £111,126 | Physician $9,182 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$184,236 | Physician +$109,901 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Pharmacist 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 $140,910/year for a Pharmacist — a difference of $103,270 (73%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Pharmacist?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Pharmacist demand is growing at 4% YoY. Physician (General Practice) has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) 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 — Physician (General Practice) or Pharmacist?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.