According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Occupational Therapists is $89,470, while the average annual salary for Physical Therapists is $92,920. This means that these two occupations have comparable salaries.
However, wages can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. For example, Occupational Therapists who work in Nevada (with salary averaging $109,010) may earn more than those who work in North Dakota ($71,340). And Physical Therapists in Nevada earn 28% more on average compared to those in North Dakota.
Occupational Therapists vs Physical Therapists overview
Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists are two important occupations in the Health Care Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay 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
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%). In terms of experience, 36% of Occupational Therapist occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (27%) require no previous experience.
Occupational Therapist average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Occupational Therapists employed in the United States was 127,830, and they earned an average of $89,470 per year. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $60,680 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $123,840 or more. The average salary has increased by 2.3% in comparison to the previous year.
Do Occupational Therapists make good money?
Occupational Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is about a half above the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make 27% more than the mean earnings of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).
Occupational Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is about a half above the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Physical Therapist job description
Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.
Physical Therapist education and experience
About a half of Physical Therapists have obtained a Doctoral Degree, 38% hold a Master's Degree, and 8% have a Bachelor's Degree. In terms of experience, about a third of Physical Therapist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller portion of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.
Physical Therapist average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States employed 225,350 Physical Therapists in 2021, and the average income they earned annually was $92,920. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $127,110 or more. The average salary has an increase of 1.4% in comparison to the previous year.
Do Physical Therapists make good money?
Physical Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they make about a third more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).
Physical Therapists are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).
Physical Therapists job growth
In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 2%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -0.4%.
FAQ
Do Occupational Therapists or Physical Therapists make more?
These two occupations have comparable salaries. Occupational Therapists average around $89,470 per year, while Physical Therapists make $92,920 per year.
How long does it take to become an Occupational Therapist vs Physical Therapist?
Becoming an Occupational Therapist typically requires a Master's Degree. Obtaining a Master's Degree usually takes between 2 years and 3 years of study. And, given that a Bachelor's Degree is a prerequisite, the full educational process could take around 7 years to complete. In contrast, becoming a Physical Therapist typically requires a Doctoral Degree. Obtaining a Doctoral Degree usually takes between 4 years and 6 years of study. And, given that a Master's Degree is a prerequisite, the full educational process could take around 13 years to complete.
Is it harder to become an Occupational Therapist vs Physical Therapist?
Becoming a Physical Therapist is much more difficult than becoming an Occupational Therapist, since it takes 6 more years of education.
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