Physical Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In New Zealand, a physical therapist earns about 7% more than a registered nurse — $99,607 vs $93,273 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Healthcare
Physical Therapist$99,607/yr
- Monthly
- $8,291
- Hourly
- $48
- Range
- $74,504–$130,295
- 10-yr outlook
- +15%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physical Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $74,504 | $68,113 |
| 25th | $87,055 | $80,664 |
| Median | $99,607 | $93,273 |
| 75th | $114,922 | $108,646 |
| Senior (90th) | $130,295 | $124,077 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physical therapist or registered nurse earn more in New Zealand?
- A physical therapist earns more, at about $173,000 per year vs $162,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 7% ($11,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A physical therapist typically earns $129,400–$226,300, while a registered nurse earns $118,300–$215,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physical therapist averages about $14,400 and a registered nurse about $13,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a physical therapist earns about $129,400 while a registered nurse earns about $118,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a physical therapist earns about $226,300 while a registered nurse earns about $215,500 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.