Physical Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In Australia, a physical therapist earns about 57% more than a registered nurse — $156,837 vs $99,932 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
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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 | Physical Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $117,281 | $72,936 |
| 25th | $137,059 | $86,469 |
| Median | $156,837 | $99,932 |
| 75th | $180,988 | $116,448 |
| Senior (90th) | $205,138 | $132,895 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physical therapist or registered nurse earn more in Australia?
- A physical therapist earns more, at about $226,000 per year vs $144,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 57% ($82,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A physical therapist typically earns $169,000–$295,600, while a registered nurse earns $105,100–$191,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physical therapist averages about $18,800 and a registered nurse about $12,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a physical therapist earns about $169,000 while a registered nurse earns about $105,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a physical therapist earns about $295,600 while a registered nurse earns about $191,500 per year.
- Are physical therapist and registered nurse 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.