Pay by Role
United States · Salary comparison

Physical Therapist vs Psychologist salary

In United States, a psychologist earns about 7% more than a physical therapist $118,000 vs $110,000 per year.

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

Healthcare
Physical Therapist
$110,000/yr
Monthly
$9,200
Hourly
$53
Range
$82,300$143,900
10-yr outlook
+15%
Pays more
Healthcare
Psychologist
$118,000/yr
Monthly
$9,800
Hourly
$57
Range
$80,800$163,400
10-yr outlook
+6%

Pay range, side by side

PercentilePhysical TherapistPsychologist
Entry (10th)$82,300$80,800
25th$96,100$99,400
Median$110,000$118,000
75th$126,900$140,700
Senior (90th)$143,900$163,400

National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a physical therapist or psychologist earn more in United States?
A psychologist earns more, at about $118,000 per year vs $110,000 for a physical therapist — roughly 7% ($8,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
A physical therapist typically earns $82,300–$143,900, while a psychologist earns $80,800–$163,400 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
On a monthly basis before tax, a physical therapist averages about $9,200 and a psychologist about $9,800.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United States, a physical therapist earns about $82,300 while a psychologist earns about $80,800 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United States, a physical therapist earns about $143,900 while a psychologist earns about $163,400 per year.
Are physical therapist and psychologist 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.