Career comparison
Occupational Therapist vs. Preschool Special Education Teacher
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. $64,830), while preschool special education teachers usually get to work faster (4 years plus licensure of training). Occupational therapists help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability. Preschool special education teachers teach young children with disabilities and developmental delays.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Occupational Therapist | Preschool Special Education Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $100,330 ($48.24/hr) | $64,830 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $71,690 – $131,950 | $45,620 – $130,040 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +14.8% (much faster than average) | +2.4% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 10,000 | 2,000 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 6–7 years | 4 years plus licensure |
| Key credential | NBCOT certification (OTR) | State special education license |
| Work setting | OTs work in hospitals, rehab centers, schools, nursing facilities, clinics and patients’ homes.. | Teachers work in public school preschools, inclusive classrooms and sometimes in homes.. |
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
Preschool Special Education Teacher
- Teach play-based lessons
- Write and carry out IEPs
- Build communication and social skills
- Work with speech and occupational therapists
- Track progress on goals
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, hands-on work, and working with people. They sit in different fields, healthcare and education & childcare, but share transferable skills such as creativity and patience.
Which should you choose?
Choose occupational therapist if…
- I want to help people live independently
- I’m creative with solutions
- I’m patient
Choose preschool special education teacher if…
- I love young children
- I’m very patient
- I like play-based teaching
Still torn? Take the Occupational Therapist fit quiz and the Preschool Special Education Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, occupational therapist or preschool special education teacher?
Occupational Therapists earn more at the median: $100,330 versus $64,830 for preschool special education teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Preschool Special Education Teachers typically train faster (4 years plus licensure) 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 +2.4% for preschool special education teachers.