Massage Therapists vs Occupational Therapy Aides: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Massage Therapists

Median Salary
$57,224
Average (Mean)
$60,910
Employed Nationwide
90,960
VS

Occupational Therapy Aides

Median Salary
$42,335
Average (Mean)
$43,687
Employed Nationwide
3,760
Massage Therapists earns $14,888 more (35.2%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $57,224 $42,335
Average (Mean) Salary $60,910 $43,687
Total Employment 90,960 3,760
States with Higher Pay 24 5

Salary by State: Massage Therapists vs Occupational Therapy Aides

Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Massage Therapists pays more in 24 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 5.

State Massage Therapists Occupational Therapy Aides Difference
California $45,400
$35,130
+$10,270
Colorado $56,110
$40,970
+$15,140
Connecticut $59,890
$46,060
+$13,830
District of Columbia $59,900
$52,770
+$7,130
Florida $48,940
$72,290
$-23,350
Georgia $58,100
$35,920
+$22,180
Illinois $60,670
$73,680
$-13,010
Indiana $58,300
$33,890
+$24,410
Louisiana $62,870
$29,520
+$33,350
Maryland $56,960
$28,510
+$28,450
Massachusetts $61,280
$42,650
+$18,630
Michigan $61,950
$26,580
+$35,370
Mississippi $39,980
$37,050
+$2,930
Missouri $52,770
$60,230
$-7,460
Nebraska $59,910
$39,370
+$20,540
New Mexico $62,470
$64,980
$-2,510
New York $50,210
$46,170
+$4,040
North Carolina $61,570
$69,420
$-7,850
Ohio $51,100
$38,310
+$12,790
Oklahoma $41,600
$31,440
+$10,160
Oregon $82,170
$36,000
+$46,170
Pennsylvania $56,780
$36,830
+$19,950
South Carolina $47,640
$31,010
+$16,630
Tennessee $49,480
$34,370
+$15,110
Texas $49,550
$34,090
+$15,460
Utah $59,780
$22,490
+$37,290
Virginia $52,030
$38,460
+$13,570
Washington $79,700
$50,380
+$29,320
Wisconsin $55,950
$39,160
+$16,790

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Massage Therapists or Occupational Therapy Aides?
On average across all states, a Massage Therapists earns more than a Occupational Therapy Aides. The national median salary difference is $14,888 (35.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Massage Therapists earn more than a Occupational Therapy Aides?
A Massage Therapists earns a higher median salary than a Occupational Therapy Aides in 24 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Massage Therapists vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Massage Therapists is $57,224 per year, compared to $42,335 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Massage Therapists or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Massage Therapists. BLS reports approximately 90,960 Massage Therapists positions and 3,760 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Massage Therapists or Occupational Therapy Aides?
Both Massage Therapists 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.