Choosing a career in the rehabilitation sciences is a commitment to helping others regain their independence, strength, and quality of life. Among the most vital and in-demand professions in this field are occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT). While both offer immense personal satisfaction and strong career stability, prospective students and professionals are often curious about the financial outlook: what is the real difference between an occupational therapy vs. physical therapy salary?
While both careers command competitive salaries often reaching into the six-figure range, there are nuanced differences. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Physical Therapists had a slightly higher median annual salary of $99,710 in 2023, while Occupational Therapists earned a median of $96,370.
This article provides a data-driven deep dive into the earning potential for both professions, exploring the key factors that influence your salary and helping you understand the financial landscape of these rewarding career paths.
What Do Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists Do?
Before we analyze the numbers, it's crucial to understand the distinct roles these professionals play. While they often collaborate, their focus and approach are different.
An Occupational Therapist (OT) helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Their focus is holistic, addressing a person's ability to perform "activities of daily living" (ADLs), such as dressing, eating, or working. They might help a child with sensory processing issues succeed in a classroom, an adult recovering from a stroke relearn how to cook, or an older adult modify their home to prevent falls.
A Physical Therapist (PT) is a movement expert who helps patients reduce pain and restore or improve mobility. Their work is often focused on biomechanics and gross motor function. They diagnose and treat individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and function in their daily lives. A PT might help an athlete recover from a knee injury, a patient regain the ability to walk after surgery, or a person manage chronic back pain through targeted exercises.
The Classic Analogy: A PT helps a patient regain the strength and range of motion to lift their arm above their head. An OT helps that same patient use that motion to brush their hair or put a shirt on.
Average Occupational Therapist vs. Physical Therapist Salary
Both OTs and PTs are well-compensated healthcare professionals, but national averages consistently show a modest edge for physical therapists. This is largely attributed to the standard entry-level education requirement, which is a doctorate for PTs.
Let's look at the data from the most reliable sources.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2023 data):
- Median Physical Therapist Salary: $99,710 per year ($47.94 per hour)
- Median Occupational Therapist Salary: $96,370 per year ($46.33 per hour)
This data shows a difference of just over $3,000 annually at the median level. The ranges reported by salary aggregators, which collect real-time, user-reported data, reflect a similar pattern.
Here is a comparative table summarizing the typical salary landscape:
| Metric | Occupational Therapist | Physical Therapist | Source |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Median Annual Salary | $96,370 | $99,710 | BLS (May 2023) |
| Typical Salary Range | $81,490 - $102,990 | $83,090 - $105,890 | Salary.com (2024) |
| Top 10% Earners | Over $126,860 | Over $132,680 | BLS (May 2023) |
| Bottom 10% Earners| Less than $67,730 | Less than $73,590 | BLS (May 2023) |
As the data shows, the highest earners in both fields comfortably exceed $125,000, showcasing significant long-term earning potential.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your base salary is not set in stone. Several key factors can significantly impact your earnings as either an OT or a PT.
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Level of Education
Education is the foundational difference that most directly impacts starting salaries.
- For Physical Therapists, the required degree for entry-level practice is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). This three-year, post-baccalaureate program provides the highest level of clinical training. This doctorate requirement is a primary driver of the PT's slightly higher median salary.
- For Occupational Therapists, the standard entry-level degree is a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT or MSOT). However, the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is becoming increasingly common. While an OTD may provide a competitive edge for leadership, academic, or advanced research roles, it doesn't always translate to a significantly higher starting salary in a purely clinical setting compared to the DPT's role for physical therapists.
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Years of Experience
As with any profession, experience pays. Both OTs and PTs see substantial salary growth as they move from entry-level positions to senior and supervisory roles.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): New graduates in both fields can expect to earn on the lower end of the national salary range. PTs may start slightly higher due to the DPT degree.
- Mid-Career (5-10 years): With a solid base of experience and potentially a specialization, both OTs and PTs can expect to earn at or above the national median salary.
- Senior/Experienced (15+ years): Therapists with extensive experience, particularly those in management, private practice, or highly specialized roles, are the ones who make up the top 10% of earners, often well into the six-figure range.
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Geographic Location
Where you practice has a massive impact on your paycheck. Salaries are often tied to local demand and cost of living. According to 2023 BLS data, the top-paying states for each profession are:
Top-Paying States for Occupational Therapists:
1. California ($117,170)
2. Nevada ($110,680)
3. New Jersey ($108,790)
4. New York ($106,750)
5. Virginia ($105,530)
Top-Paying States for Physical Therapists:
1. California ($117,980)
2. Nevada ($110,360)
3. New Jersey ($109,240)
4. Alaska ($108,820)
5. Connecticut ($107,310)
Notably, California, Nevada, and New Jersey appear at the top of both lists, indicating strong regional demand for all rehabilitation services.
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Company Type / Work Setting
The environment where you work is another major salary determinant. BLS data reveals the median salaries by top work settings:
- For Occupational Therapists, high-paying settings include home healthcare services and nursing care facilities, where therapists often work with more complex cases and have greater autonomy. Hospitals and schools are other common settings.
- For Physical Therapists, the highest-paying sectors are also home healthcare services and nursing care facilities. Outpatient clinics are the largest employer of PTs, while hospitals also offer competitive wages.
In general, home health roles for both professions tend to offer higher compensation to account for travel and independent work.
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Area of Specialization
Pursuing advanced certification in a specialized area is one of the best ways to increase your value and earning potential.
- OT Specializations: Popular and lucrative certifications include Hand Therapy (CHT), Gerontology (BCG), Pediatrics (BCP), and Neuro-Rehabilitation. A Certified Hand Therapist (a certification available to both OTs and PTs) is one of the most recognized and well-compensated specializations.
- PT Specializations: The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers numerous certifications, including Orthopedics (OCS), Sports (SCS), Geriatrics (GCS), Neurology (NCS), and Pediatrics (PCS). These board-certified specialists are recognized as experts and can command higher salaries, especially in specialized clinics or hospital departments.
Job Outlook
The future is exceptionally bright for both professions. The BLS projects demand for both OTs and PTs to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by an aging baby-boomer population and a growing societal focus on non-invasive, rehabilitative care.
- Occupational Therapists: Job growth is projected at 11% from 2022 to 2032.
- Physical Therapists: Job growth is projected at 15% from 2022 to 2032.
This robust demand translates into excellent job security and ample opportunities for career advancement for graduates in both fields.
Conclusion: Which Path is Right for You?
When comparing occupational therapy vs. physical therapy salaries, the key takeaways are clear:
- Similar High Earning Potential: Both are financially rewarding careers with six-figure earning potential.
- Slight Edge for PTs: Physical therapists have a slightly higher median salary, largely due to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) being the standard entry-level degree.
- Growth is Key: Your salary is not static. It will grow significantly with experience, specialization, and strategic career moves into high-paying locations or work settings.
- Incredible Job Security: Both fields boast a fantastic job outlook, ensuring your skills will be in high demand for decades to come.
Ultimately, the modest salary difference should not be the primary factor in your decision. The most successful and satisfied professionals are those who are passionate about their specific area of practice.
Ask yourself: Are you more drawn to helping people master the practical, everyday activities of life? Or are you more fascinated by the science of human movement and restoring physical function? Answering that question will lead you to the right career—one that promises not only a great salary but also a lifetime of meaningful work.