National Salary Overview
VS
Psychiatric Aides earns $4,364 more (11.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$38,907
$43,271
Average (Mean) Salary
$41,667
$44,310
Total Employment
3,260
33,860
States with Higher Pay
3
18
Salary by State: Occupational Therapy Aides vs Psychiatric Aides
Showing 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 3 states; Psychiatric Aides pays more in 18.
| State | Occupational Therapy Aides | Psychiatric Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $43,480 | $47,500 | $-4,020 | ||
| Colorado | $40,110 | $46,130 | $-6,020 | ||
| Connecticut | $44,840 | $44,660 | +$180 | ||
| Georgia | $38,090 | $36,790 | +$1,300 | ||
| Indiana | $38,250 | $44,860 | $-6,610 | ||
| Louisiana | $28,560 | $30,030 | $-1,470 | ||
| Maryland | $33,310 | $51,440 | $-18,130 | ||
| Massachusetts | $40,160 | $45,300 | $-5,140 | ||
| Michigan | $39,050 | $45,800 | $-6,750 | ||
| Mississippi | $24,300 | $30,510 | $-6,210 | ||
| Missouri | $38,890 | $39,840 | $-950 | ||
| Nevada | $36,440 | $51,400 | $-14,960 | ||
| New Jersey | $44,470 | $45,780 | $-1,310 | ||
| New York | $46,220 | $50,220 | $-4,000 | ||
| North Carolina | $66,190 | $38,400 | +$27,790 | ||
| Ohio | $36,380 | $38,480 | $-2,100 | ||
| Oklahoma | $34,670 | $44,960 | $-10,290 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $37,100 | $44,790 | $-7,690 | ||
| South Carolina | $31,950 | $36,320 | $-4,370 | ||
| Texas | $37,180 | $42,560 | $-5,380 | ||
| Washington | $45,890 | $52,570 | $-6,680 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Occupational Therapy Aides vs Psychiatric Aides salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Occupational Therapy Aides or Psychiatric Aides?
On average across all states, a Psychiatric Aides earns more than a Occupational Therapy Aides. The national median salary difference is $4,364 (11.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Occupational Therapy Aides earn more than a Psychiatric Aides?
A Occupational Therapy Aides earns a higher median salary than a Psychiatric Aides in 3 out of 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Psychiatric Aides pays more in 18 states.
What is the median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides vs Psychiatric Aides?
The national median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides is $38,907 per year, compared to $43,271 for a Psychiatric Aides, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Occupational Therapy Aides or Psychiatric Aides?
There are more people employed as Psychiatric Aides. BLS reports approximately 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions and 33,860 Psychiatric Aides positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Occupational Therapy Aides or Psychiatric Aides?
Both Occupational Therapy Aides and Psychiatric 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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