Social Worker vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Social Worker
Support individuals and families through mental health, poverty, and social challenges.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $39,392/year (62%) higher than a Social Worker. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Social Worker vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Social Worker | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $90,241 | $147,222 | Social $56,981 |
| New York, NY | $77,533 | $125,297 | Social $47,764 |
| Seattle, WA | $87,845 | $150,655 | Social $62,810 |
| Austin, TX | $70,990 | $111,606 | Social $40,616 |
| Chicago, IL | $68,037 | $108,575 | Social $40,538 |
| Boston, MA | $84,261 | $131,643 | Social $47,382 |
| London, UK | £50,174 | £79,889 | Social $29,715 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,837 | CA$134,561 | Social $49,724 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Social Worker or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Social Worker is $63,368/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $39,392 (62%).
Which has better career growth — Social Worker or Physical Therapist?+
Social Worker roles are growing at 9% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Social Worker 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 — Social Worker or Physical Therapist?+
Social Worker has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.