Occupational Therapy Aides vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Nursing Assistants out-earn Occupational Therapy Aides by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Occupational Therapy Aides land at $39,160 and Nursing Assistants at $42,260. The education gap is real: occupational therapy aide programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Occupational Therapy Aides is North Carolina ($66,190); for Nursing Assistants it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Occupational Therapy Aides median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Occupational Therapy Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Nursing Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $39,160 for Occupational Therapy Aides versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Occupational Therapy Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Occupational Therapy Aides has the better 10-year outlook at 2.5% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Occupational Therapy Aides or Nursing Assistants?
Occupational Therapy Aides typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Occupational Therapy Aides get paid the most?
North Carolina is the top-paying state for Occupational Therapy Aides at $66,190/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Occupational Therapy Aides vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Occupational Therapy Aides earn $46,220 vs. $48,590 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.