Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Occupational Therapy Aides 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

Occupational Therapy Aides

Median Salary
$38,907
Average (Mean)
$41,667
Employed Nationwide
3,260
VS

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Median Salary
$69,025
Average (Mean)
$68,781
Employed Nationwide
51,290
Occupational Therapy Assistants earns $30,118 more (77.4%)
Occupational Therapy Aides vs Occupational Therapy Assistants national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Occupational Therapy AidesOccupational Therapy AidesOccupational Therapy Aides: $38,907$38,907Occupational Therapy AssistantsOccupational Therapy Assista…Occupational Therapy Assistants: $69,025$69,025

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $38,907 $69,025
Average (Mean) Salary $41,667 $68,781
Total Employment 3,260 51,290
States with Higher Pay 0 27

Salary by State: Occupational Therapy Aides vs Occupational Therapy Assistants

Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 0 states; Occupational Therapy Assistants pays more in 27.

State Occupational Therapy Aides Occupational Therapy Assistants Difference
California $43,480
$81,770
$-38,290
Colorado $40,110
$75,340
$-35,230
Connecticut $44,840
$72,780
$-27,940
District of Columbia $39,620
$66,390
$-26,770
Georgia $38,090
$75,920
$-37,830
Idaho $32,590
$65,330
$-32,740
Indiana $38,250
$66,660
$-28,410
Louisiana $28,560
$66,090
$-37,530
Maryland $33,310
$82,010
$-48,700
Massachusetts $40,160
$75,040
$-34,880
Michigan $39,050
$63,260
$-24,210
Mississippi $24,300
$61,650
$-37,350
Missouri $38,890
$66,070
$-27,180
Nebraska $44,980
$63,180
$-18,200
Nevada $36,440
$79,510
$-43,070
New Jersey $44,470
$74,960
$-30,490
New Mexico $43,170
$77,020
$-33,850
New York $46,220
$68,530
$-22,310
North Carolina $66,190
$69,390
$-3,200
Ohio $36,380
$62,700
$-26,320
Oklahoma $34,670
$66,520
$-31,850
Pennsylvania $37,100
$71,590
$-34,490
South Carolina $31,950
$73,740
$-41,790
Tennessee $27,840
$62,420
$-34,580
Texas $37,180
$81,500
$-44,320
Washington $45,890
$77,590
$-31,700
Wisconsin $36,760
$59,960
$-23,200

Explore This Comparison by State

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

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 $30,118 (77.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides vs Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The national median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides is $38,907 per year, compared to $69,025 for a Occupational Therapy Assistants, according to 2025 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 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions and 51,290 Occupational Therapy Assistants positions nationwide (2025).
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.

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy