Occupational Therapists vs Nurses salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Therapists earn an average of $89,470 per year, while Nurses earn an average of $82,750 per year. Therefore, these careers pay similar salaries.

Keep in mind, however, that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For instance, Occupational Therapists in Nevada may have higher earnings (averaging $109,010 per annum) compared to those in North Dakota ($71,340). As another example, the average income of Nurses in California is 105% higher compared to those in South Dakota.

Occupational Therapists vs Nurses overview

Occupational Therapists and Nurses are two important roles in the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.

Occupational Therapist job description

Occupational Therapists assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

Occupational Therapist education and experience

To become an Occupational Therapist, an individual usually must obtain a Master's Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Bachelor's Degree (14%). With regard to experience, 36% of Occupational Therapist occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous work-related experience. A smaller number of roles (27%) do not require any previous experience.

Occupational Therapist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 127,830 Occupational Therapists in 2021 and they earned an average annual income of $89,470. The lowest earning 10 percent made $60,680 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $123,840 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 2.3%.

Do Occupational Therapists make good money?

Occupational Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is about a half above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make 27% more than the mean earnings of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Occupational Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is about a half above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Nurse job description

Alternative names: Registered Nurses, RN

Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Nurse education and experience

The majority of Nurses (56%) have obtained a Bachelor's Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Post-Secondary Certificate (23%) and an Associate's Degree (19%). When it comes to experience, about a third of Nurse jobs require a 1 to 2 years of work-related experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (19%) do not require any previous experience.

Nurse average salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Nurses employed by the United States in 2021 was 3.05M, and their average annual salary was $82,750. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $59,450 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $120,250 or more. The average salary has grown by 3.4% compared the previous year.

Do Nurses make good money?

Nurses are usually paid well, as their average salary is 42% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 15% more than the average wage of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

Nurses are usually paid well, as their average salary is 42% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Nurses job growth

The employment rate for Nurses has risen in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 61,030 more positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 2%. Job growth has averaged 1.1% for the last 3 years.

FAQ

Do Occupational Therapists or Nurses make more?

The salaries for these two jobs are similar. The average annual salary for Nurses is $82,750, while Occupational Therapists earn $89,470 per year.

How long does it take to become an Occupational Therapist vs Nurse?

Occupational Therapists typically need a Master's Degree. It usually takes between 2 years and 3 years to complete a Master's Degree. However, if we consider that a Bachelor's Degree is required beforehand, it might take around 7 years to complete the full education. While on the other hand, Nurses typically need a Bachelor's Degree. It usually takes around 4 years to complete a Bachelor's Degree.

Is it harder to become an Occupational Therapist vs Nurse?

Becoming an Occupational Therapist is much more difficult than becoming a Nurse, since it takes 3 more years of education.