Occupational Therapy Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides: Salary Comparison

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

National Salary Overview

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Median Salary
$64,700
Average (Mean)
$65,474
Employed Nationwide
46,090
VS

Psychiatric Aides

Median Salary
$40,544
Average (Mean)
$41,559
Employed Nationwide
31,460
Occupational Therapy Assistants earns $24,155 more (59.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $64,700 $40,544
Average (Mean) Salary $65,474 $41,559
Total Employment 46,090 31,460
States with Higher Pay 38 1

Salary by State: Occupational Therapy Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides

Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Occupational Therapy Assistants pays more in 38 states; Psychiatric Aides pays more in 1.

State Occupational Therapy Assistants Psychiatric Aides Difference
Alabama $62,070
$30,220
+$31,850
Alaska $43,360
$44,450
$-1,090
Arkansas $74,580
$32,620
+$41,960
California $80,360
$43,360
+$37,000
Colorado $65,790
$51,110
+$14,680
Connecticut $68,090
$44,490
+$23,600
Delaware $76,930
$49,880
+$27,050
Florida $68,740
$29,200
+$39,540
Georgia $71,210
$34,480
+$36,730
Illinois $60,370
$55,120
+$5,250
Indiana $58,570
$41,630
+$16,940
Iowa $61,360
$44,860
+$16,500
Kansas $65,450
$35,700
+$29,750
Kentucky $64,850
$36,210
+$28,640
Louisiana $67,200
$29,040
+$38,160
Maine $59,030
$38,540
+$20,490
Maryland $76,030
$41,540
+$34,490
Massachusetts $72,160
$48,440
+$23,720
Michigan $62,580
$45,360
+$17,220
Minnesota $61,120
$51,170
+$9,950
Mississippi $61,080
$29,810
+$31,270
Missouri $59,990
$37,620
+$22,370
Nevada $75,130
$39,790
+$35,340
New Hampshire $62,980
$50,600
+$12,380
New Jersey $76,360
$40,410
+$35,950
New York $64,900
$50,670
+$14,230
Ohio $62,470
$36,940
+$25,530
Oklahoma $64,890
$37,930
+$26,960
Oregon $66,020
$44,390
+$21,630
Pennsylvania $60,000
$44,930
+$15,070
Rhode Island $60,570
$46,370
+$14,200
South Carolina $71,610
$31,620
+$39,990
Tennessee $62,120
$38,660
+$23,460
Texas $75,000
$32,880
+$42,120
Utah $56,160
$37,680
+$18,480
Vermont $67,660
$41,790
+$25,870
Virginia $71,910
$34,650
+$37,260
Washington $72,950
$48,890
+$24,060
West Virginia $63,490
$28,180
+$35,310

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Occupational Therapy Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
On average across all states, a Occupational Therapy Assistants earns more than a Psychiatric Aides. The national median salary difference is $24,155 (59.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Occupational Therapy Assistants earn more than a Psychiatric Aides?
A Occupational Therapy Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Psychiatric Aides in 38 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Psychiatric Aides pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides?
The national median salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants is $64,700 per year, compared to $40,544 for a Psychiatric Aides, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Occupational Therapy Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
There are more people employed as Occupational Therapy Assistants. BLS reports approximately 46,090 Occupational Therapy Assistants positions and 31,460 Psychiatric Aides positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Occupational Therapy Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
Both Occupational Therapy Assistants 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.