National Salary Overview
VS
Physical Therapist Assistants
Median Salary
$67,076
Average (Mean)
$66,841
Employed Nationwide
112,400
Physical Therapist Assistants earns $28,169 more (72.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$38,907
$67,076
Average (Mean) Salary
$41,667
$66,841
Total Employment
3,260
112,400
States with Higher Pay
0
27
Salary by State: Occupational Therapy Aides vs Physical Therapist Assistants
Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 0 states; Physical Therapist Assistants pays more in 27.
| State | Occupational Therapy Aides | Physical Therapist Assistants | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $43,480 | $83,110 | $-39,630 | ||
| Colorado | $40,110 | $64,810 | $-24,700 | ||
| Connecticut | $44,840 | $75,880 | $-31,040 | ||
| District of Columbia | $39,620 | $63,400 | $-23,780 | ||
| Georgia | $38,090 | $72,800 | $-34,710 | ||
| Idaho | $32,590 | $61,020 | $-28,430 | ||
| Indiana | $38,250 | $65,280 | $-27,030 | ||
| Louisiana | $28,560 | $65,370 | $-36,810 | ||
| Maryland | $33,310 | $77,670 | $-44,360 | ||
| Massachusetts | $40,160 | $79,460 | $-39,300 | ||
| Michigan | $39,050 | $61,670 | $-22,620 | ||
| Mississippi | $24,300 | $61,770 | $-37,470 | ||
| Missouri | $38,890 | $63,770 | $-24,880 | ||
| Nebraska | $44,980 | $61,370 | $-16,390 | ||
| Nevada | $36,440 | $75,520 | $-39,080 | ||
| New Jersey | $44,470 | $78,440 | $-33,970 | ||
| New Mexico | $43,170 | $62,280 | $-19,110 | ||
| New York | $46,220 | $64,100 | $-17,880 | ||
| North Carolina | $66,190 | $67,540 | $-1,350 | ||
| Ohio | $36,380 | $63,820 | $-27,440 | ||
| Oklahoma | $34,670 | $59,480 | $-24,810 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $37,100 | $62,580 | $-25,480 | ||
| South Carolina | $31,950 | $70,500 | $-38,550 | ||
| Tennessee | $27,840 | $62,500 | $-34,660 | ||
| Texas | $37,180 | $78,000 | $-40,820 | ||
| Washington | $45,890 | $66,450 | $-20,560 | ||
| Wisconsin | $36,760 | $64,080 | $-27,320 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Occupational Therapy Aides vs Physical Therapist Assistants salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Occupational Therapy Aides or Physical Therapist Assistants?
On average across all states, a Physical Therapist Assistants earns more than a Occupational Therapy Aides. The national median salary difference is $28,169 (72.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides vs Physical Therapist Assistants?
The national median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides is $38,907 per year, compared to $67,076 for a Physical Therapist Assistants, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Occupational Therapy Aides or Physical Therapist Assistants?
There are more people employed as Physical Therapist Assistants. BLS reports approximately 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions and 112,400 Physical Therapist Assistants positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Occupational Therapy Aides or Physical Therapist Assistants?
Both Occupational Therapy Aides and Physical Therapist 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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