National Salary Overview
VS
Dental Assistants earns $10,193 more (26.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$49,100
$38,907
Average (Mean) Salary
$49,858
$41,667
Total Employment
384,650
3,260
States with Higher Pay
26
1
Salary by State: Dental Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides
Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Dental Assistants pays more in 26 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 1.
| State | Dental Assistants | Occupational Therapy Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $50,110 | $43,480 | +$6,630 | ||
| Colorado | $48,340 | $40,110 | +$8,230 | ||
| Connecticut | $56,850 | $44,840 | +$12,010 | ||
| District of Columbia | $60,580 | $39,620 | +$20,960 | ||
| Georgia | $46,840 | $38,090 | +$8,750 | ||
| Idaho | $45,880 | $32,590 | +$13,290 | ||
| Indiana | $48,670 | $38,250 | +$10,420 | ||
| Louisiana | $44,090 | $28,560 | +$15,530 | ||
| Maryland | $48,620 | $33,310 | +$15,310 | ||
| Massachusetts | $57,980 | $40,160 | +$17,820 | ||
| Michigan | $48,820 | $39,050 | +$9,770 | ||
| Mississippi | $39,160 | $24,300 | +$14,860 | ||
| Missouri | $45,970 | $38,890 | +$7,080 | ||
| Nebraska | $46,660 | $44,980 | +$1,680 | ||
| Nevada | $47,110 | $36,440 | +$10,670 | ||
| New Jersey | $49,390 | $44,470 | +$4,920 | ||
| New Mexico | $44,400 | $43,170 | +$1,230 | ||
| New York | $48,110 | $46,220 | +$1,890 | ||
| North Carolina | $50,380 | $66,190 | $-15,810 | ||
| Ohio | $47,970 | $36,380 | +$11,590 | ||
| Oklahoma | $45,740 | $34,670 | +$11,070 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $47,930 | $37,100 | +$10,830 | ||
| South Carolina | $47,320 | $31,950 | +$15,370 | ||
| Tennessee | $46,720 | $27,840 | +$18,880 | ||
| Texas | $45,430 | $37,180 | +$8,250 | ||
| Washington | $58,090 | $45,890 | +$12,200 | ||
| Wisconsin | $47,520 | $36,760 | +$10,760 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Dental Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $10,193 (26.2%) based on 2025 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 26 out of 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Dental Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Dental Assistants is $49,100 per year, compared to $38,907 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Dental Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Dental Assistants. BLS reports approximately 384,650 Dental Assistants positions and 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2025).
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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