Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, Psychologists make $99,640 annually, while Physical Therapists make $92,920 per year. As a result, these two professions have salaries that are similar.
However, it's worth mentioning that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. As an example, Psychologists working in New Jersey (with a wage of $143,150 on average) may have higher salaries than those in West Virginia ($63,410). To provide another instance, Physical Therapists in Nevada have an average pay that is 28% higher compared to those in North Dakota.
Psychologists vs Physical Therapists overview
Psychologists and Physical Therapists are two important roles in the Health Care Services industry. There is a common interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, as well as the average salaries for each.
Psychologist job description
Alternative names: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Psychologist education and experience
Among Psychologists, 43% have obtained a Doctoral Degree, 34% hold a Post-Doctoral Training, and 22% have a Master's Degree. With regard to experience, 43% of Psychologist occupations require a 1 to 2 years of previous work-related experience. A smaller portion of roles (24%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Psychologist average salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 58,100 Psychologists working in the United States, and on average, they earned $99,640 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $47,010 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $167,460 or more.
Do Psychologists make good money?
Psychologists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 71% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 42% more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).
Psychologists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 71% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).
Physical Therapist job description
Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Physical Therapist education and experience
About a half of Physical Therapists have completed a Doctoral Degree, 38% have a Master's Degree, and 8% hold a Bachelor's Degree. Regarding experience, about a third of Physical Therapist jobs require no previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.
Physical Therapist average salary
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Physical Therapists employed by the United States in 2021 was 225,350, and their average annual salary was $92,920. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $127,110 or more. The average salary has increased by 1.4% compared the previous year.
Do Physical Therapists make good money?
Physical Therapists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 59% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn about a third more than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).
Physical Therapists are usually paid well, as their average salary is 59% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Physical Therapists job growth
In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 2%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.4%.
FAQ
Do Psychologists or Physical Therapists make more?
These two professions have salaries that are similar. On average, Physical Therapists make $92,920 per year, while Psychologists make $99,640.
How long does it take to become a Psychologist vs Physical Therapist?
Both Psychologist and Physical Therapist occupations typically require a Doctoral Degree. It most often takes between 4 years and 6 years to obtain a Doctoral Degree. But, considering that a Master's Degree must be obtained first, it may take around 13 years to complete the full educational program.
Is it harder to become a Psychologist vs Physical Therapist?
The level of difficulty of achieving either occupation is similar, as they both require the same level of education.
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