National Salary Overview
VS
Massage Therapists earns $21,367 more (54.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$60,274
$38,907
Average (Mean) Salary
$65,071
$41,667
Total Employment
98,600
3,260
States with Higher Pay
25
2
Salary by State: Massage Therapists vs Occupational Therapy Aides
Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Massage Therapists pays more in 25 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 2.
| State | Massage Therapists | Occupational Therapy Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $45,970 | $43,480 | +$2,490 | ||
| Colorado | $61,060 | $40,110 | +$20,950 | ||
| Connecticut | $62,260 | $44,840 | +$17,420 | ||
| District of Columbia | $64,110 | $39,620 | +$24,490 | ||
| Georgia | $50,820 | $38,090 | +$12,730 | ||
| Idaho | $60,420 | $32,590 | +$27,830 | ||
| Indiana | $55,590 | $38,250 | +$17,340 | ||
| Louisiana | $36,480 | $28,560 | +$7,920 | ||
| Maryland | $62,270 | $33,310 | +$28,960 | ||
| Massachusetts | $63,390 | $40,160 | +$23,230 | ||
| Michigan | $70,960 | $39,050 | +$31,910 | ||
| Mississippi | $40,490 | $24,300 | +$16,190 | ||
| Missouri | $62,050 | $38,890 | +$23,160 | ||
| Nebraska | $53,950 | $44,980 | +$8,970 | ||
| Nevada | $53,540 | $36,440 | +$17,100 | ||
| New Jersey | $50,150 | $44,470 | +$5,680 | ||
| New Mexico | $37,840 | $43,170 | $-5,330 | ||
| New York | $62,630 | $46,220 | +$16,410 | ||
| North Carolina | $60,650 | $66,190 | $-5,540 | ||
| Ohio | $55,990 | $36,380 | +$19,610 | ||
| Oklahoma | $36,630 | $34,670 | +$1,960 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $58,300 | $37,100 | +$21,200 | ||
| South Carolina | $58,000 | $31,950 | +$26,050 | ||
| Tennessee | $50,070 | $27,840 | +$22,230 | ||
| Texas | $59,370 | $37,180 | +$22,190 | ||
| Washington | $87,360 | $45,890 | +$41,470 | ||
| Wisconsin | $58,070 | $36,760 | +$21,310 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Massage Therapists vs Occupational Therapy Aides salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $21,367 (54.9%) based on 2025 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 25 out of 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 2 states.
What is the median salary for a Massage Therapists vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Massage Therapists is $60,274 per year, compared to $38,907 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Massage Therapists or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Massage Therapists. BLS reports approximately 98,600 Massage Therapists positions and 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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