Career comparison
Occupational Therapist vs. 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. $65,120), while special education teachers usually get to work faster (4 years plus licensing of training). Occupational therapists help people do everyday activities after injury, illness or disability. Special education teachers teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Occupational Therapist | Special Education Teacher | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $100,330 ($48.24/hr) | $65,120 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $71,690 – $131,950 | $49,350 – $103,010 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +14.8% (much faster than average) | -0.4% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 10,000 | 16,400 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 6–7 years | 4 years plus licensing |
| Key credential | NBCOT certification (OTR) | State special education license |
| Work setting | OTs work in hospitals, rehab centers, schools, nursing facilities, clinics and patients’ homes.. | Special education teachers work in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and general education classrooms, with meetings and paperwork.. |
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
Special Education Teacher
- Assess students’ needs and progress
- Write and implement IEPs
- Adapt lessons and materials
- Teach individuals and small groups
- Co-teach in general education classes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, and indoor work. 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 special education teacher if…
- I want to help students with disabilities
- I’m patient and persistent
- I like individualized teaching
Still torn? Take the Occupational Therapist fit quiz and the Special Education Teacher fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, occupational therapist or special education teacher?
Occupational Therapists earn more at the median: $100,330 versus $65,120 for special education teachers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Special Education Teachers typically train faster (4 years plus licensing) 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 -0.4% for special education teachers.