Career comparison
Occupational Therapist vs. Occupational Therapy Aide
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Occupational therapists earn more at the median ($100,330 vs. $39,160), while occupational therapy aides usually get to work faster (1–4 weeks of training). Occupational therapists help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability. Occupational therapy aides prepare therapy areas and help occupational therapy teams.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Occupational Therapist | Occupational Therapy Aide | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $100,330 ($48.24/hr) | $39,160 ($18.83/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $71,690 – $131,950 | $29,430 – $70,200 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +14.8% (much faster than average) | +3.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 10,000 | 600 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6–7 years | 1–4 weeks |
| Key credential | NBCOT certification (OTR) | CPR |
| Work setting | OTs work in hospitals, rehab centers, schools, nursing facilities, clinics and patients’ homes.. | Aides work in hospitals, rehab centers and outpatient clinics.. |
What each job does
Occupational Therapist
- Evaluate patients’ abilities and needs
- Set therapy goals
- Teach daily living skills
- Recommend adaptive equipment
- Suggest home and workplace changes
Occupational Therapy Aide
- Prepare treatment areas
- Clean and organize equipment
- Transport patients
- Schedule appointments
- Assist with activities under supervision
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others and indoor work. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose occupational therapist if…
- I want to help people live independently
- I’m creative with solutions
- I’m patient
Choose occupational therapy aide if…
- I want to explore therapy careers
- I’m organized
- I like helping
Still torn? Take the Occupational Therapist fit quiz and the Occupational Therapy Aide fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, occupational therapist or occupational therapy aide?
Occupational Therapists earn more at the median: $100,330 versus $39,160 for occupational therapy aides, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Occupational Therapy Aides typically train faster (1–4 weeks) than occupational therapists (6–7 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects occupational therapists to grow +14.8% from 2025–35, compared with +3.6% for occupational therapy aides.