Occupational Therapy Aides vs Occupational Therapy Assistants: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Occupational Therapy Aides

Median Salary
$42,335
Average (Mean)
$43,687
Employed Nationwide
3,760
VS

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Median Salary
$64,700
Average (Mean)
$65,474
Employed Nationwide
46,090
Occupational Therapy Assistants earns $22,364 more (52.8%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $42,335 $64,700
Average (Mean) Salary $43,687 $65,474
Total Employment 3,760 46,090
States with Higher Pay 4 25

Salary by State: Occupational Therapy Aides vs Occupational Therapy Assistants

Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 4 states; Occupational Therapy Assistants pays more in 25.

State Occupational Therapy Aides Occupational Therapy Assistants Difference
California $35,130
$80,360
$-45,230
Colorado $40,970
$65,790
$-24,820
Connecticut $46,060
$68,090
$-22,030
District of Columbia $52,770
$79,670
$-26,900
Florida $72,290
$68,740
+$3,550
Georgia $35,920
$71,210
$-35,290
Illinois $73,680
$60,370
+$13,310
Indiana $33,890
$58,570
$-24,680
Louisiana $29,520
$67,200
$-37,680
Maryland $28,510
$76,030
$-47,520
Massachusetts $42,650
$72,160
$-29,510
Michigan $26,580
$62,580
$-36,000
Mississippi $37,050
$61,080
$-24,030
Missouri $60,230
$59,990
+$240
Nebraska $39,370
$60,530
$-21,160
New Mexico $64,980
$59,850
+$5,130
New York $46,170
$64,900
$-18,730
North Carolina $69,420
$70,750
$-1,330
Ohio $38,310
$62,470
$-24,160
Oklahoma $31,440
$64,890
$-33,450
Oregon $36,000
$66,020
$-30,020
Pennsylvania $36,830
$60,000
$-23,170
South Carolina $31,010
$71,610
$-40,600
Tennessee $34,370
$62,120
$-27,750
Texas $34,090
$75,000
$-40,910
Utah $22,490
$56,160
$-33,670
Virginia $38,460
$71,910
$-33,450
Washington $50,380
$72,950
$-22,570
Wisconsin $39,160
$60,950
$-21,790

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Occupational Therapy Aides or Occupational Therapy Assistants?
On average across all states, a Occupational Therapy Assistants earns more than a Occupational Therapy Aides. The national median salary difference is $22,364 (52.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Occupational Therapy Aides earn more than a Occupational Therapy Assistants?
A Occupational Therapy Aides earns a higher median salary than a Occupational Therapy Assistants in 4 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Occupational Therapy Assistants pays more in 25 states.
What is the median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides vs Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The national median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides is $42,335 per year, compared to $64,700 for a Occupational Therapy Assistants, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Occupational Therapy Aides or Occupational Therapy Assistants?
There are more people employed as Occupational Therapy Assistants. BLS reports approximately 3,760 Occupational Therapy Aides positions and 46,090 Occupational Therapy Assistants positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Occupational Therapy Aides or Occupational Therapy Assistants?
Both Occupational Therapy Aides 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.