National Salary Overview
VS
Occupational Therapy Aides earns $3,687 more (9.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$38,647
$42,335
Average (Mean) Salary
$39,464
$43,687
Total Employment
1,351,770
3,760
States with Higher Pay
14
15
Salary by State: Nursing Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Nursing Assistants pays more in 14 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 15.
| State | Nursing Assistants | Occupational Therapy Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $45,170 | $35,130 | +$10,040 | ||
| Colorado | $42,520 | $40,970 | +$1,550 | ||
| Connecticut | $40,890 | $46,060 | $-5,170 | ||
| District of Columbia | $46,220 | $52,770 | $-6,550 | ||
| Florida | $36,340 | $72,290 | $-35,950 | ||
| Georgia | $34,710 | $35,920 | $-1,210 | ||
| Illinois | $39,510 | $73,680 | $-34,170 | ||
| Indiana | $36,790 | $33,890 | +$2,900 | ||
| Louisiana | $29,070 | $29,520 | $-450 | ||
| Maryland | $38,620 | $28,510 | +$10,110 | ||
| Massachusetts | $44,200 | $42,650 | +$1,550 | ||
| Michigan | $37,940 | $26,580 | +$11,360 | ||
| Mississippi | $29,310 | $37,050 | $-7,740 | ||
| Missouri | $36,260 | $60,230 | $-23,970 | ||
| Nebraska | $37,530 | $39,370 | $-1,840 | ||
| New Mexico | $35,400 | $64,980 | $-29,580 | ||
| New York | $45,890 | $46,170 | $-280 | ||
| North Carolina | $36,010 | $69,420 | $-33,410 | ||
| Ohio | $38,030 | $38,310 | $-280 | ||
| Oklahoma | $33,320 | $31,440 | +$1,880 | ||
| Oregon | $46,260 | $36,000 | +$10,260 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $38,540 | $36,830 | +$1,710 | ||
| South Carolina | $35,090 | $31,010 | +$4,080 | ||
| Tennessee | $35,040 | $34,370 | +$670 | ||
| Texas | $35,110 | $34,090 | +$1,020 | ||
| Utah | $37,270 | $22,490 | +$14,780 | ||
| Virginia | $36,820 | $38,460 | $-1,640 | ||
| Washington | $46,000 | $50,380 | $-4,380 | ||
| Wisconsin | $40,010 | $39,160 | +$850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Nursing Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
On average across all states, a Occupational Therapy Aides earns more than a Nursing Assistants. The national median salary difference is $3,687 (9.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Nursing Assistants earn more than a Occupational Therapy Aides?
A Nursing Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Occupational Therapy Aides in 14 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Nursing Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Nursing Assistants is $38,647 per year, compared to $42,335 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Nursing Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Nursing Assistants. BLS reports approximately 1,351,770 Nursing Assistants positions and 3,760 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Nursing Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
Both Nursing 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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