Occupational Therapy Aides vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Nursing Assistantss out-earn Occupational Therapy Aidess by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Occupational Therapy Aidess land at $39,160 and Nursing Assistantss 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 Aidess is North Carolina ($66,190); for Nursing Assistantss 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 Aidess or Nursing Assistantss?
Nursing Assistantss earn more nationally. The median is $39,160 for Occupational Therapy Aidess versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistantss, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Occupational Therapy Aides or Nursing Assistants?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Aidess get paid the most?
North Carolina is the top-paying state for Occupational Therapy Aidess 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 Aidess earn $46,220 vs. $48,590 for Nursing Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.