Physician (General Practice) 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 (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $141,420/year (138%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $147,222 | Physician +$216,368 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $125,297 | Physician +$169,075 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $150,655 | Physician +$202,986 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $111,606 | Physician +$160,834 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $108,575 | Physician +$147,020 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $131,643 | Physician +$179,576 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £79,889 | Physician +$22,055 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$134,561 | Physician +$159,576 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Physical 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 $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $141,420 (138%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Physical Therapist?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) 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 (General Practice) or Physical Therapist?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.