National Salary Overview
VS
Occupational Therapy Aides earns $801 more (1.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$41,533
$42,335
Average (Mean) Salary
$42,404
$43,687
Total Employment
763,020
3,760
States with Higher Pay
19
10
Salary by State: Medical Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Medical Assistants pays more in 19 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 10.
| State | Medical Assistants | Occupational Therapy Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $46,690 | $35,130 | +$11,560 | ||
| Colorado | $45,770 | $40,970 | +$4,800 | ||
| Connecticut | $45,780 | $46,060 | $-280 | ||
| District of Columbia | $48,710 | $52,770 | $-4,060 | ||
| Florida | $38,340 | $72,290 | $-33,950 | ||
| Georgia | $38,060 | $35,920 | +$2,140 | ||
| Illinois | $42,850 | $73,680 | $-30,830 | ||
| Indiana | $40,680 | $33,890 | +$6,790 | ||
| Louisiana | $34,280 | $29,520 | +$4,760 | ||
| Maryland | $44,010 | $28,510 | +$15,500 | ||
| Massachusetts | $47,770 | $42,650 | +$5,120 | ||
| Michigan | $38,300 | $26,580 | +$11,720 | ||
| Mississippi | $34,040 | $37,050 | $-3,010 | ||
| Missouri | $38,260 | $60,230 | $-21,970 | ||
| Nebraska | $39,870 | $39,370 | +$500 | ||
| New Mexico | $37,640 | $64,980 | $-27,340 | ||
| New York | $45,440 | $46,170 | $-730 | ||
| North Carolina | $40,190 | $69,420 | $-29,230 | ||
| Ohio | $38,280 | $38,310 | $-30 | ||
| Oklahoma | $37,240 | $31,440 | +$5,800 | ||
| Oregon | $48,350 | $36,000 | +$12,350 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $39,480 | $36,830 | +$2,650 | ||
| South Carolina | $37,420 | $31,010 | +$6,410 | ||
| Tennessee | $37,350 | $34,370 | +$2,980 | ||
| Texas | $37,570 | $34,090 | +$3,480 | ||
| Utah | $40,270 | $22,490 | +$17,780 | ||
| Virginia | $40,240 | $38,460 | +$1,780 | ||
| Washington | $52,600 | $50,380 | +$2,220 | ||
| Wisconsin | $46,320 | $39,160 | +$7,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Medical Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
On average across all states, a Occupational Therapy Aides earns more than a Medical Assistants. The national median salary difference is $801 (1.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Medical Assistants earn more than a Occupational Therapy Aides?
A Medical Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Occupational Therapy Aides in 19 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Medical Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Medical Assistants is $41,533 per year, compared to $42,335 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Medical Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Medical Assistants. BLS reports approximately 763,020 Medical Assistants positions and 3,760 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Medical Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
Both Medical 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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