Registered Nurse vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $5,210/year (5%) higher than a Registered Nurse. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $147,222 | Registered $8,592 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $125,297 | Registered $9,524 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $150,655 | Registered $11,788 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $111,606 | Registered $4,567 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $108,575 | Registered $5,795 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $131,643 | Registered $1,878 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £79,889 | Registered $27,852 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$134,561 | Registered $39,947 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $5,210 (5%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Physical Therapist?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse 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 — Registered Nurse or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.