Respiratory Therapist vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $21,287/year (26%) higher than a Respiratory Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Respiratory Therapist vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $147,222 | Respiratory $27,165 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $125,297 | Respiratory $27,424 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $150,655 | Respiratory $31,901 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $111,606 | Respiratory $22,249 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $108,575 | Respiratory $18,654 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $131,643 | Respiratory $23,079 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £79,889 | Respiratory $18,120 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$134,561 | Respiratory $23,981 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $21,287 (26%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Physical Therapist?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist 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 — Respiratory Therapist or Physical Therapist?+
Physical Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.