Psychiatrist vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Psychiatrist earns more on average — the national median is $179,110/year (174%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Psychiatrist vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Psychiatrist | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $420,872 | $147,222 | Psychiatrist +$273,650 |
| New York, NY | $344,472 | $125,297 | Psychiatrist +$219,175 |
| Seattle, WA | $412,989 | $150,655 | Psychiatrist +$262,334 |
| Austin, TX | $317,235 | $111,606 | Psychiatrist +$205,629 |
| Chicago, IL | $294,561 | $108,575 | Psychiatrist +$185,986 |
| Boston, MA | $362,959 | $131,643 | Psychiatrist +$231,316 |
| London, UK | £219,355 | £79,889 | Psychiatrist +$139,466 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$384,563 | CA$134,561 | Psychiatrist +$250,002 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Psychiatrist or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Psychiatrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Psychiatrist is $281,870/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $179,110 (174%).
Which has better career growth — Psychiatrist or Physical Therapist?+
Psychiatrist roles are growing at 18% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Psychiatrist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Psychiatrist 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 — Psychiatrist or Physical Therapist?+
Psychiatrist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.