Physical Therapist vs Occupational Therapist: Salary Comparison
Physical Therapists earn $2K more per year than Occupational Therapists on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Physical Therapist | Occupational Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,620 | $93,180 |
| Entry Level | $68,000 | $65,000 |
| Senior Level | $125,000 | $120,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $46/hr | $45/hr |
| Education | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | Master's Degree |
| Category | Healthcare | Healthcare |
Which Pays More?
On average, Physical Therapists earn $2K more per year than Occupational Therapists, with a median salary of $95,620 versus $93,180. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Occupational Therapist in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $156,000 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Physical Therapist. Education and credentials also play a role: Physical Therapists typically require Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), while Occupational Therapists need Master's Degree. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Physical Therapist has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Physical Therapist | Occupational Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $136,000 | $132,000 |
| California | $132,000 | $129,000 |
| New York | $122,000 | $119,000 |
| Alaska | $120,000 | $116,000 |
| Massachusetts | $120,000 | $116,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist pay more?
Physical Therapist pays more on average at $95,620/year, compared to $93,180/year for Occupational Therapist — a difference of $2,440/year.
What is the salary difference between Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist?
The median salary gap is $2,440/year ($2K), with Physical Therapist earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist?
Physical Therapist grows from $68,000 to $125,000 (a $57,000 increase). Occupational Therapist grows from $65,000 to $120,000 (a $55,000 increase). Physical Therapist shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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