Occupational Therapy Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Occupational Therapy Assistantss out-earn Nursing Assistantss by $30K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Occupational Therapy Assistantss land at $72,300 and Nursing Assistantss at $42,260. The education gap is real: occupational therapy assistant programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Occupational Therapy Assistantss is Maryland ($82,010); for Nursing Assistantss it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Occupational Therapy Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Occupational Therapy Assistantss or Nursing Assistantss?
Occupational Therapy Assistantss earn more nationally. The median is $72,300 for Occupational Therapy Assistantss versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistantss, a difference of $30K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Occupational Therapy Assistants 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 Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Occupational Therapy Assistants typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Occupational Therapy Assistantss get paid the most?
Maryland is the top-paying state for Occupational Therapy Assistantss at $82,010/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Occupational Therapy Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Occupational Therapy Assistantss earn $81,770 vs. $47,630 for Nursing Assistantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.