National Salary Overview
VS
Nursing Assistants earns $2,905 more (7.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$41,812
$38,907
Average (Mean) Salary
$42,553
$41,667
Total Employment
1,448,920
3,260
States with Higher Pay
21
6
Salary by State: Nursing Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides
Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Nursing Assistants pays more in 21 states; Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 6.
| State | Nursing Assistants | Occupational Therapy Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $47,630 | $43,480 | +$4,150 | ||
| Colorado | $47,380 | $40,110 | +$7,270 | ||
| Connecticut | $44,790 | $44,840 | $-50 | ||
| District of Columbia | $47,700 | $39,620 | +$8,080 | ||
| Georgia | $37,680 | $38,090 | $-410 | ||
| Idaho | $38,650 | $32,590 | +$6,060 | ||
| Indiana | $38,330 | $38,250 | +$80 | ||
| Louisiana | $30,510 | $28,560 | +$1,950 | ||
| Maryland | $43,240 | $33,310 | +$9,930 | ||
| Massachusetts | $46,680 | $40,160 | +$6,520 | ||
| Michigan | $39,570 | $39,050 | +$520 | ||
| Mississippi | $31,520 | $24,300 | +$7,220 | ||
| Missouri | $37,680 | $38,890 | $-1,210 | ||
| Nebraska | $40,000 | $44,980 | $-4,980 | ||
| Nevada | $45,490 | $36,440 | +$9,050 | ||
| New Jersey | $46,830 | $44,470 | +$2,360 | ||
| New Mexico | $39,390 | $43,170 | $-3,780 | ||
| New York | $48,590 | $46,220 | +$2,370 | ||
| North Carolina | $38,460 | $66,190 | $-27,730 | ||
| Ohio | $39,010 | $36,380 | +$2,630 | ||
| Oklahoma | $35,930 | $34,670 | +$1,260 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $44,590 | $37,100 | +$7,490 | ||
| South Carolina | $37,220 | $31,950 | +$5,270 | ||
| Tennessee | $37,990 | $27,840 | +$10,150 | ||
| Texas | $37,500 | $37,180 | +$320 | ||
| Washington | $49,180 | $45,890 | +$3,290 | ||
| Wisconsin | $45,130 | $36,760 | +$8,370 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Nursing Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Nursing Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
On average across all states, a Nursing Assistants earns more than a Occupational Therapy Aides. The national median salary difference is $2,905 (7.5%) based on 2025 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 21 out of 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Nursing Assistants vs Occupational Therapy Aides?
The national median salary for a Nursing Assistants is $41,812 per year, compared to $38,907 for a Occupational Therapy Aides, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Nursing Assistants or Occupational Therapy Aides?
There are more people employed as Nursing Assistants. BLS reports approximately 1,448,920 Nursing Assistants positions and 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions nationwide (2025).
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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