Physical Therapists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Physical Therapistss out-earn Registered Nursess by $5K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Physical Therapistss land at $102,760 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: physical therapist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Physical Therapistss is California ($124,190); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Physical Therapists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Physical Therapistss or Registered Nursess?
Physical Therapistss earn more nationally. The median is $102,760 for Physical Therapistss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $5K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Physical Therapists or Registered Nurses?
Physical Therapists has the better 10-year outlook at 14% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Physical Therapists or Registered Nurses?
Physical Therapists typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Physical Therapistss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Physical Therapistss at $124,190/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Physical Therapists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Physical Therapistss earn $124,190 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.