National Salary Overview
VS
Dental Assistants earns $3,875 more (9.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$46,211
$42,335
Average (Mean) Salary
$46,931
$43,687
Total Employment
370,670
3,760
States with Higher Pay
22
7
Salary by State: Dental Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Dental Assistants pays more in 22 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 7.
| State | Dental Assistants | Occupational Therapy Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $48,210 | $35,130 | +$13,080 | ||
| Colorado | $48,950 | $40,970 | +$7,980 | ||
| Connecticut | $49,510 | $46,060 | +$3,450 | ||
| District of Columbia | $52,880 | $52,770 | +$110 | ||
| Florida | $46,600 | $72,290 | $-25,690 | ||
| Georgia | $45,670 | $35,920 | +$9,750 | ||
| Illinois | $43,590 | $73,680 | $-30,090 | ||
| Indiana | $46,380 | $33,890 | +$12,490 | ||
| Louisiana | $38,180 | $29,520 | +$8,660 | ||
| Maryland | $47,920 | $28,510 | +$19,410 | ||
| Massachusetts | $58,860 | $42,650 | +$16,210 | ||
| Michigan | $45,740 | $26,580 | +$19,160 | ||
| Mississippi | $36,710 | $37,050 | $-340 | ||
| Missouri | $45,760 | $60,230 | $-14,470 | ||
| Nebraska | $44,480 | $39,370 | +$5,110 | ||
| New Mexico | $38,480 | $64,980 | $-26,500 | ||
| New York | $45,590 | $46,170 | $-580 | ||
| North Carolina | $47,000 | $69,420 | $-22,420 | ||
| Ohio | $46,450 | $38,310 | +$8,140 | ||
| Oklahoma | $38,940 | $31,440 | +$7,500 | ||
| Oregon | $57,040 | $36,000 | +$21,040 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $46,680 | $36,830 | +$9,850 | ||
| South Carolina | $46,490 | $31,010 | +$15,480 | ||
| Tennessee | $45,190 | $34,370 | +$10,820 | ||
| Texas | $39,640 | $34,090 | +$5,550 | ||
| Utah | $37,140 | $22,490 | +$14,650 | ||
| Virginia | $48,000 | $38,460 | +$9,540 | ||
| Washington | $55,700 | $50,380 | +$5,320 | ||
| Wisconsin | $45,970 | $39,160 | +$6,810 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Dental Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
On average across all states, a Dental Assistants earns more than a Occupational Therapy Aides. The national median salary difference is $3,875 (9.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Dental Assistants earn more than a Occupational Therapy Aides?
A Dental Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Occupational Therapy Aides in 22 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Dental Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Dental Assistants is $46,211 per year, compared to $42,335 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Dental Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Dental Assistants. BLS reports approximately 370,670 Dental Assistants positions and 3,760 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Dental Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
Both Dental Assistants and Occupational Therapy Aides are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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