Physical Therapist vs Machine Learning Engineer Salary

Machine Learning Engineers earn more nationally. The median annual salary for Physical Therapists is $99,710 versus $158,000 for Machine Learning Engineers — a difference of $58,290 per year or $4,858 per month.

The national median salary gap between Physical Therapists and Machine Learning Engineers is $58,290 per year. Machine Learning Engineers earn 58% more. Over a 30-year career this difference, if invested at 7% annual return, compounds to approximately $660,734.

Based on BLS OES 2024-2025 data, California pays Physical Therapists the highest median salary at $114,320 per year.

Based on BLS OES 2024-2025 data, California pays Machine Learning Engineers the highest median salary at $212,000 per year.

Salary is one factor — Machine Learning Engineers earn more nationally. But career choice involves job satisfaction, work-life balance, education requirements, and job growth. Physical Therapists and Computer and Information Research Scientists both have different educational paths, licensing requirements, and long-term growth projections. Use salary as a starting point, not the only factor.

Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, Physical Therapists earn approximately $48 per hour nationally and Machine Learning Engineers earn approximately $76 per hour. Actual hourly rates vary based on overtime, part-time work, and whether the role is salaried or hourly.