Social Worker 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.
Social Worker
Support individuals and families through mental health, poverty, and social challenges.
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 $180,812/year (285%) 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 Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Social Worker | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $90,241 | $363,590 | Social $273,349 |
| New York, NY | $77,533 | $294,372 | Social $216,839 |
| Seattle, WA | $87,845 | $353,641 | Social $265,796 |
| Austin, TX | $70,990 | $272,440 | Social $201,450 |
| Chicago, IL | $68,037 | $255,595 | Social $187,558 |
| Boston, MA | $84,261 | $311,219 | Social $226,958 |
| London, UK | £50,174 | £101,944 | Social $51,770 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,837 | CA$294,137 | Social $209,300 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Social Worker or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Social Worker is $63,368/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $180,812 (285%).
Which has better career growth — Social Worker or Physician (General Practice)?+
Social Worker roles are growing at 9% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Social Worker has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Social Worker 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 — Social Worker or Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.