Pay by Role
United Kingdom · Salary comparison

Optometrist vs Physical Therapist salary

In United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about 41% more than a physical therapist — $190,096 vs $135,209 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is GBP). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Pays more
Healthcare
Optometrist
$190,096/yr
Monthly
$15,797
Hourly
$91
Range
$138,824–$252,882
10-yr outlook
+9%
Healthcare
Physical Therapist
$135,209/yr
Monthly
$11,245
Hourly
$66
Range
$101,072–$176,843
10-yr outlook
+15%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileOptometristPhysical Therapist
Entry (10th)$138,824$101,072
25th$164,393$118,208
Median$190,096$135,209
75th$221,422$156,093
Senior (90th)$252,882$176,843

National United Kingdom figures in GBP. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Optometrist vs Dental HygienistOptometrist vs DentistOptometrist vs Nurse PractitionerOptometrist vs Occupational TherapistOptometrist vs PharmacistOptometrist vs Physician

Frequently asked questions

Does a optometrist or physical therapist earn more in United Kingdom?
A optometrist earns more, at about £142,000 per year vs £101,000 for a physical therapist — roughly 41% (£41,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United Kingdom?
A optometrist typically earns £103,700–£188,900, while a physical therapist earns £75,500–£132,100 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in United Kingdom?
On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about £11,800 and a physical therapist about £8,400.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about £103,700 while a physical therapist earns about £75,500 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about £188,900 while a physical therapist earns about £132,100 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.