Optometrist vs Physical Therapist salary
In Canada, a optometrist earns about 38% more than a physical therapist — $172,253 vs $124,954 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is CAD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Healthcare
Optometrist$172,253/yr
- Monthly
- $14,331
- Hourly
- $83
- Range
- $125,731–$229,083
- 10-yr outlook
- +9%
Healthcare
Physical Therapist$124,954/yr
- Monthly
- $10,448
- Hourly
- $60
- Range
- $93,469–$163,429
- 10-yr outlook
- +15%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Optometrist | Physical Therapist |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $125,731 | $93,469 |
| 25th | $149,027 | $109,211 |
| Median | $172,253 | $124,954 |
| 75th | $200,703 | $144,227 |
| Senior (90th) | $229,083 | $163,429 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a optometrist or physical therapist earn more in Canada?
- A optometrist earns more, at about $244,000 per year vs $177,000 for a physical therapist — roughly 38% ($67,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A optometrist typically earns $178,100–$324,500, while a physical therapist earns $132,400–$231,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about $20,300 and a physical therapist about $14,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a optometrist earns about $178,100 while a physical therapist earns about $132,400 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a optometrist earns about $324,500 while a physical therapist earns about $231,500 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.