Physical Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In United States, a physical therapist earns about 9% more than a registered nurse — $110,000 vs $101,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Healthcare
Physical Therapist$110,000/yr
- Monthly
- $9,200
- Hourly
- $53
- Range
- $82,300–$143,900
- 10-yr outlook
- +15%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physical Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $82,300 | $73,700 |
| 25th | $96,100 | $87,400 |
| Median | $110,000 | $101,000 |
| 75th | $126,900 | $117,700 |
| Senior (90th) | $143,900 | $134,300 |
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 registered nurse earn more in United States?
- A physical therapist earns more, at about $110,000 per year vs $101,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 9% ($9,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A physical therapist typically earns $82,300–$143,900, while a registered nurse earns $73,700–$134,300 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 registered nurse about $8,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a physical therapist earns about $82,300 while a registered nurse earns about $73,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a physical therapist earns about $143,900 while a registered nurse earns about $134,300 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.