Physical Therapist vs Occupational Therapist Salary
Side-by-side salary comparison for Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist — national medians, pay ranges, and city-by-city data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Physical Therapists earn more nationally
$101,020 median vs $98,340 — a $2,680/yr difference (3% lower)
Median Salary
$101,020
Salary Range
$74,420 – $132,500
10th–90th percentile
Median Salary
$98,340
Salary Range
$67,090 – $129,830
10th–90th percentile
Physical Therapist vs Occupational Therapist Salary by City
Green = higher-paying role in that city. Source: BLS OEWS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist pay more?▾
Physical Therapists earn more nationally, with a median salary of $101,020 versus $98,340 for Occupational Therapist. That's a difference of about $2,680 per year.
What's the salary range for a Physical Therapist vs a Occupational Therapist?▾
Physical Therapist salaries range from $74,420 (10th percentile) to $132,500 (90th percentile). Occupational Therapist salaries range from $67,090 to $129,830.
Which career has more growth potential — Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist?▾
Salary growth depends on experience, specialization, location, and industry sector. Both roles show strong upper-quartile earnings. Check city-by-city data above — in some metros one role significantly outpaces the other, which often reflects local industry demand and competition.