Physical Therapist vs Operations Manager Salary

Operations Managers earn more nationally. The median annual salary for Physical Therapists is $99,710 versus $107,580 for Operations Managers — a difference of $7,870 per year or $656 per month.

The national median salary gap between Physical Therapists and Operations Managers is $7,870 per year. Operations Managers earn 8% more. Over a 30-year career this difference, if invested at 7% annual return, compounds to approximately $89,209.

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 Operations Managers the highest median salary at $138,580 per year.

Salary is one factor — Operations Managers earn more nationally. But career choice involves job satisfaction, work-life balance, education requirements, and job growth. Physical Therapists and General and Operations Managers 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 Operations Managers earn approximately $52 per hour. Actual hourly rates vary based on overtime, part-time work, and whether the role is salaried or hourly.