Physical Therapist vs Physician Assistant salary
In Canada, a physician assistant earns about 48% more than a physical therapist — $184,960 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
Healthcare
Physical Therapist$124,954/yr
- Monthly
- $10,448
- Hourly
- $60
- Range
- $93,469–$163,429
- 10-yr outlook
- +15%
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$184,960/yr
- Monthly
- $15,390
- Hourly
- $89
- Range
- $135,049–$246,025
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physical Therapist | Physician Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $93,469 | $135,049 |
| 25th | $109,211 | $159,970 |
| Median | $124,954 | $184,960 |
| 75th | $144,227 | $215,458 |
| Senior (90th) | $163,429 | $246,025 |
National Canada figures in CAD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physical therapist or physician assistant earn more in Canada?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about $262,000 per year vs $177,000 for a physical therapist — roughly 48% ($85,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Canada?
- A physical therapist typically earns $132,400–$231,500, while a physician assistant earns $191,300–$348,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Canada?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physical therapist averages about $14,800 and a physician assistant about $21,800.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Canada, a physical therapist earns about $132,400 while a physician assistant earns about $191,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Canada, a physical therapist earns about $231,500 while a physician assistant earns about $348,500 per year.
- Are physical therapist and physician assistant 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.