Respiratory Therapist 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.
Respiratory Therapist
Diagnose and treat patients with breathing disorders and cardiopulmonary issues.
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 $162,707/year (200%) 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 Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Respiratory Therapist | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $120,057 | $363,590 | Respiratory $243,533 |
| New York, NY | $97,873 | $294,372 | Respiratory $196,499 |
| Seattle, WA | $118,754 | $353,641 | Respiratory $234,887 |
| Austin, TX | $89,357 | $272,440 | Respiratory $183,083 |
| Chicago, IL | $89,921 | $255,595 | Respiratory $165,674 |
| Boston, MA | $108,564 | $311,219 | Respiratory $202,655 |
| London, UK | £61,769 | £101,944 | Respiratory $40,175 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$110,580 | CA$294,137 | Respiratory $183,557 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Respiratory Therapist or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Respiratory Therapist is $81,473/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $162,707 (200%).
Which has better career growth — Respiratory Therapist or Physician (General Practice)?+
Respiratory Therapist roles are growing at 14% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Respiratory Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Respiratory Therapist to Physician (General Practice)?+
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 Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.