Surgeon vs Physical Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Physical Therapist
Help patients recover mobility and manage pain through therapeutic exercise.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $321,578/year (313%) higher than a Physical Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Surgeon vs Physical Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Surgeon | Physical Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $600,082 | $147,222 | Surgeon +$452,860 |
| New York, NY | $498,340 | $125,297 | Surgeon +$373,043 |
| Seattle, WA | $606,568 | $150,655 | Surgeon +$455,913 |
| Austin, TX | $487,767 | $111,606 | Surgeon +$376,161 |
| Chicago, IL | $464,470 | $108,575 | Surgeon +$355,895 |
| Boston, MA | $566,760 | $131,643 | Surgeon +$435,117 |
| London, UK | £236,648 | £79,889 | Surgeon +$156,759 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,646 | CA$134,561 | Surgeon +$285,085 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Surgeon or Physical Therapist earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Surgeon is $424,338/year, compared to $102,760/year for a Physical Therapist — a difference of $321,578 (313%).
Which has better career growth — Surgeon or Physical Therapist?+
Surgeon roles are growing at 4% YoY while Physical Therapist demand is growing at 17% YoY. Physical Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Surgeon to Physical Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Anatomy.
Which is harder to automate — Surgeon or Physical Therapist?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 14%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.