Psychologist vs Physician (General Practice): Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Psychologist
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through therapy.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $140,076/year (135%) higher than a Psychologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Psychologist vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Psychologist | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,611 | $363,590 | Psychologist $215,979 |
| New York, NY | $126,090 | $294,372 | Psychologist $168,282 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,879 | $353,641 | Psychologist $202,762 |
| Austin, TX | $117,260 | $272,440 | Psychologist $155,180 |
| Chicago, IL | $111,439 | $255,595 | Psychologist $144,156 |
| Boston, MA | $134,061 | $311,219 | Psychologist $177,158 |
| London, UK | £79,636 | £101,944 | Psychologist $22,308 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,379 | CA$294,137 | Psychologist $156,758 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Psychologist or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Psychologist is $104,104/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $140,076 (135%).
Which has better career growth — Psychologist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Psychologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Psychologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Psychologist to Physician (General Practice)?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Diagnosis.
Which is harder to automate — Psychologist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Psychologist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 10%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.