Optometrist vs Physical Therapist salary
In Australia, a optometrist earns about 40% more than a physical therapist — $219,295 vs $156,837 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Optometrist$219,295/yr
- Monthly
- $18,251
- Hourly
- $105
- Range
- $160,099–$291,676
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Healthcare
Physical Therapist$156,837/yr
- Monthly
- $13,047
- Hourly
- $76
- Range
- $117,281–$205,138
- 10-yr outlook
- +15%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Optometrist | Physical Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $160,099 | $117,281 |
| 25th | $189,662 | $137,059 |
| Median | $219,295 | $156,837 |
| 75th | $255,451 | $180,988 |
| Senior (90th) | $291,676 | $205,138 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a optometrist or physical therapist earn more in Australia?
- A optometrist earns more, at about $316,000 per year vs $226,000 for a physical therapist — roughly 40% ($90,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A optometrist typically earns $230,700–$420,300, while a physical therapist earns $169,000–$295,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about $26,300 and a physical therapist about $18,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $230,700 while a physical therapist earns about $169,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a optometrist earns about $420,300 while a physical therapist earns about $295,600 per year.
- Are optometrist and physical therapist similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.