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Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Assistants: 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 Assistants

Median Salary
$69,025
Average (Mean)
$68,781
Employed Nationwide
51,290
Occupational Therapy Assistants earns $22,392 more (48.0%)
Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Assistants national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Medical Equipment PreparersMedical Equipment PreparersMedical Equipment Preparers: $46,633$46,633Occupational Therapy AssistantsOccupational Therapy Assista…Occupational Therapy Assistants: $69,025$69,025

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $46,632 $69,025
Average (Mean) Salary $48,352 $68,781
Total Employment 77,410 51,290
States with Higher Pay 0 50

Salary by State: Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Assistants

Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Medical Equipment Preparers pays more in 0 states; Occupational Therapy Assistants pays more in 50.

State Medical Equipment Preparers Occupational Therapy Assistants Difference
Alabama $35,800
$62,250
$-26,450
Alaska $49,920
$53,530
$-3,610
Arizona $46,790
$73,490
$-26,700
Arkansas $38,100
$78,940
$-40,840
California $61,370
$81,770
$-20,400
Colorado $47,700
$75,340
$-27,640
Connecticut $47,980
$72,780
$-24,800
Delaware $53,300
$78,640
$-25,340
District of Columbia $48,670
$66,390
$-17,720
Florida $45,890
$71,630
$-25,740
Georgia $47,850
$75,920
$-28,070
Hawaii $51,630
$72,710
$-21,080
Idaho $46,450
$65,330
$-18,880
Illinois $48,050
$64,120
$-16,070
Indiana $45,210
$66,660
$-21,450
Iowa $39,930
$64,140
$-24,210
Kansas $45,280
$65,010
$-19,730
Kentucky $46,880
$65,230
$-18,350
Louisiana $35,960
$66,090
$-30,130
Maine $46,860
$64,270
$-17,410
Maryland $48,680
$82,010
$-33,330
Massachusetts $58,580
$75,040
$-16,460
Michigan $45,670
$63,260
$-17,590
Minnesota $50,070
$64,920
$-14,850
Mississippi $35,160
$61,650
$-26,490
Missouri $43,480
$66,070
$-22,590
Montana $44,670
$72,800
$-28,130
Nebraska $41,480
$63,180
$-21,700
Nevada $46,640
$79,510
$-32,870
New Hampshire $48,900
$67,790
$-18,890
New Jersey $50,280
$74,960
$-24,680
New Mexico $36,720
$77,020
$-40,300
New York $57,320
$68,530
$-11,210
North Carolina $45,130
$69,390
$-24,260
North Dakota $38,910
$60,970
$-22,060
Ohio $45,540
$62,700
$-17,160
Oklahoma $43,460
$66,520
$-23,060
Oregon $48,890
$76,850
$-27,960
Pennsylvania $45,820
$71,590
$-25,770
Rhode Island $51,460
$66,710
$-15,250
South Carolina $42,510
$73,740
$-31,230
South Dakota $42,330
$56,180
$-13,850
Tennessee $46,990
$62,420
$-15,430
Texas $46,970
$81,500
$-34,530
Utah $47,980
$66,080
$-18,100
Virginia $46,580
$74,960
$-28,380
Washington $58,830
$77,590
$-18,760
West Virginia $44,830
$60,370
$-15,540
Wisconsin $47,570
$59,960
$-12,390
Wyoming $48,210
$62,750
$-14,540

Explore This Comparison by State

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Medical Equipment Preparers or Occupational Therapy Assistants?
On average across all states, a Occupational Therapy Assistants earns more than a Medical Equipment Preparers. The national median salary difference is $22,392 (48.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Medical Equipment Preparers vs Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The national median salary for a Medical Equipment Preparers is $46,632 per year, compared to $69,025 for a Occupational Therapy Assistants, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Medical Equipment Preparers or Occupational Therapy Assistants?
There are more people employed as Medical Equipment Preparers. BLS reports approximately 77,410 Medical Equipment Preparers positions and 51,290 Occupational Therapy Assistants positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Medical Equipment Preparers or Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Both Medical Equipment Preparers and Occupational Therapy Assistants 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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