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Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Aides: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Medical Equipment Preparers

Median Salary
$46,632
Average (Mean)
$48,352
Employed Nationwide
77,410
VS

Occupational Therapy Aides

Median Salary
$38,907
Average (Mean)
$41,667
Employed Nationwide
3,260
Medical Equipment Preparers earns $7,725 more (19.9%)
Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Aides national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Medical Equipment PreparersMedical Equipment PreparersMedical Equipment Preparers: $46,633$46,633Occupational Therapy AidesOccupational Therapy AidesOccupational Therapy Aides: $38,907$38,907

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $46,632 $38,907
Average (Mean) Salary $48,352 $41,667
Total Employment 77,410 3,260
States with Higher Pay 24 3

Salary by State: Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Aides

Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Medical Equipment Preparers pays more in 24 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 3.

State Medical Equipment Preparers Occupational Therapy Aides Difference
California $61,370
$43,480
+$17,890
Colorado $47,700
$40,110
+$7,590
Connecticut $47,980
$44,840
+$3,140
District of Columbia $48,670
$39,620
+$9,050
Georgia $47,850
$38,090
+$9,760
Idaho $46,450
$32,590
+$13,860
Indiana $45,210
$38,250
+$6,960
Louisiana $35,960
$28,560
+$7,400
Maryland $48,680
$33,310
+$15,370
Massachusetts $58,580
$40,160
+$18,420
Michigan $45,670
$39,050
+$6,620
Mississippi $35,160
$24,300
+$10,860
Missouri $43,480
$38,890
+$4,590
Nebraska $41,480
$44,980
$-3,500
Nevada $46,640
$36,440
+$10,200
New Jersey $50,280
$44,470
+$5,810
New Mexico $36,720
$43,170
$-6,450
New York $57,320
$46,220
+$11,100
North Carolina $45,130
$66,190
$-21,060
Ohio $45,540
$36,380
+$9,160
Oklahoma $43,460
$34,670
+$8,790
Pennsylvania $45,820
$37,100
+$8,720
South Carolina $42,510
$31,950
+$10,560
Tennessee $46,990
$27,840
+$19,150
Texas $46,970
$37,180
+$9,790
Washington $58,830
$45,890
+$12,940
Wisconsin $47,570
$36,760
+$10,810

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Aides salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Medical Equipment Preparers or Occupational Therapy Aides?
On average across all states, a Medical Equipment Preparers earns more than a Occupational Therapy Aides. The national median salary difference is $7,725 (19.9%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Medical Equipment Preparers earn more than a Occupational Therapy Aides?
A Medical Equipment Preparers earns a higher median salary than a Occupational Therapy Aides in 24 out of 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Medical Equipment Preparers is $46,632 per year, compared to $38,907 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Medical Equipment Preparers or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Medical Equipment Preparers. BLS reports approximately 77,410 Medical Equipment Preparers positions and 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Medical Equipment Preparers or Occupational Therapy Aides?
Both Medical Equipment Preparers 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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