Occupational Therapists vs Speech-Language Pathologists salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay for Occupational Therapists is $89,470, compared to the average annual salary of $85,820 for Speech-Language Pathologists. This shows that these two roles earn similar salaries.

However, it's worth noting that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. As an example, Occupational Therapists who work in Nevada (with an average salary of $109,010) may earn more than those who work in North Dakota ($71,340). And Speech-Language Pathologists in California earn 62% more on average than those in South Dakota.

Occupational Therapists vs Speech-Language Pathologists overview

Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists are two important roles in the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the distinctions between these jobs, including the average salary for each of them.

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

Becoming an Occupational Therapist typically involves obtaining a Master's Degree. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a Bachelor's Degree (14%). When it comes 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

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 127,830 Occupational Therapists were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual wage was $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).

Speech-Language Pathologist job description

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

Speech-Language Pathologist education and experience

In order to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, a person typically must obtain a Master's Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a Post-Master's Certificate (11%). In terms of experience, most of the Speech-Language Pathologist jobs require a 1 to 2 years of experience in the field. A smaller part of jobs (18%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.

Speech-Language Pathologist average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Speech-Language Pathologists employed in the United States was 147,470, and they earned an average of $85,820 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $51,310 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $125,560 or more. The average salary has grown by 3.1% compared the previous year.

Do Speech-Language Pathologists make good money?

Speech-Language Pathologists are usually paid well, as their average salary is about a half higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 39% more than the average pay of the Educational Services industry ($61,620).

Speech-Language Pathologists are usually paid well, as their average salary is about a half higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Occupational Therapists or Speech-Language Pathologists make more?

These two professions have salaries that are similar. On average, Speech-Language Pathologists make $85,820 per year, while Occupational Therapists make $89,470.

How long does it take to become an Occupational Therapist vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

Both Occupational Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist occupations typically require a Master's Degree. A Master's Degree by itself most often takes between 2 years and 3 years to complete. But, considering that a Bachelor's Degree must be obtained first, the full educational program might take around 7 years to finish.

Is it harder to become an Occupational Therapist vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

The level of difficulty of achieving either occupation is similar, as they both require the same level of education.