Speech-Language Pathologist vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Physical Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $4,890/year (5%) higher than a Speech-Language Pathologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Speech-Language Pathologist vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Speech-Language Pathologist | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,321 | $147,222 | Speech-Language $5,901 |
| New York, NY | $119,548 | $125,297 | Speech-Language $5,749 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,695 | $150,655 | Speech-Language $10,960 |
| Austin, TX | $112,282 | $111,606 | Speech-Language +$676 |
| Chicago, IL | $103,493 | $108,575 | Speech-Language $5,082 |
| Boston, MA | $125,361 | $131,643 | Speech-Language $6,282 |
| London, UK | £74,721 | £79,889 | Speech-Language $5,168 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,294 | CA$134,561 | Speech-Language $8,267 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Speech-Language Pathologist or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Physical Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $97,870/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $4,890 (5%).
Which has better career growth — Speech-Language Pathologist or Physical Therapist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist roles are growing at 19% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Speech-Language Pathologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Speech-Language Pathologist 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 — Speech-Language Pathologist or Physical Therapist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.