National Salary Overview
VS
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Median Salary
$38,713
Average (Mean)
$39,422
Employed Nationwide
126,190
Occupational Therapy Aides earns $193 more (0.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$38,907
$38,713
Average (Mean) Salary
$41,667
$39,422
Total Employment
3,260
126,190
States with Higher Pay
13
14
Salary by State: Occupational Therapy Aides vs Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Showing 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. Occupational Therapy Aides pays more in 13 states; Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pays more in 14.
| State | Occupational Therapy Aides | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $43,480 | $46,260 | $-2,780 | ||
| Colorado | $40,110 | $38,900 | +$1,210 | ||
| Connecticut | $44,840 | $44,250 | +$590 | ||
| District of Columbia | $39,620 | $49,080 | $-9,460 | ||
| Georgia | $38,090 | $35,850 | +$2,240 | ||
| Idaho | $32,590 | $37,530 | $-4,940 | ||
| Indiana | $38,250 | $36,420 | +$1,830 | ||
| Louisiana | $28,560 | $30,480 | $-1,920 | ||
| Maryland | $33,310 | $44,770 | $-11,460 | ||
| Massachusetts | $40,160 | $46,670 | $-6,510 | ||
| Michigan | $39,050 | $37,960 | +$1,090 | ||
| Mississippi | $24,300 | $30,360 | $-6,060 | ||
| Missouri | $38,890 | $36,660 | +$2,230 | ||
| Nebraska | $44,980 | $36,100 | +$8,880 | ||
| Nevada | $36,440 | $36,920 | $-480 | ||
| New Jersey | $44,470 | $46,160 | $-1,690 | ||
| New Mexico | $43,170 | $37,500 | +$5,670 | ||
| New York | $46,220 | $44,750 | +$1,470 | ||
| North Carolina | $66,190 | $37,070 | +$29,120 | ||
| Ohio | $36,380 | $36,340 | +$40 | ||
| Oklahoma | $34,670 | $34,850 | $-180 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $37,100 | $37,140 | $-40 | ||
| South Carolina | $31,950 | $36,980 | $-5,030 | ||
| Tennessee | $27,840 | $36,320 | $-8,480 | ||
| Texas | $37,180 | $34,850 | +$2,330 | ||
| Washington | $45,890 | $44,150 | +$1,740 | ||
| Wisconsin | $36,760 | $36,850 | $-90 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Occupational Therapy Aides vs Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Occupational Therapy Aides or Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
On average across all states, a Occupational Therapy Aides earns more than a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. The national median salary difference is $193 (0.5%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Occupational Therapy Aides earn more than a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
A Occupational Therapy Aides earns a higher median salary than a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in 13 out of 27 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides vs Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The national median salary for a Occupational Therapy Aides is $38,907 per year, compared to $38,713 for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Occupational Therapy Aides or Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
There are more people employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. BLS reports approximately 3,260 Occupational Therapy Aides positions and 126,190 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Occupational Therapy Aides or Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
Both Occupational Therapy Aides and Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers 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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.