Dentist vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Dentist
Diagnose and treat dental issues including cavities, gum disease, and orthodontics.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Dentist earns more on average — the national median is $70,620/year (70%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Dentist vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Dentist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $244,977 | $142,857 | Dentist +$102,120 |
| New York, NY | $206,409 | $124,025 | Dentist +$82,384 |
| Seattle, WA | $244,156 | $142,137 | Dentist +$102,019 |
| Austin, TX | $189,096 | $108,921 | Dentist +$80,175 |
| Chicago, IL | $178,457 | $105,288 | Dentist +$73,169 |
| Boston, MA | $219,529 | $129,144 | Dentist +$90,385 |
| London, UK | £131,365 | £76,976 | Dentist +$54,389 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$225,532 | CA$136,460 | Dentist +$89,072 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Dentist or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Dentist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Dentist is $170,950/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $70,620 (70%).
Which has better career growth — Dentist or Occupational Therapist?+
Dentist roles are growing at 4% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Dentist to Occupational Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Dentist or Occupational Therapist?+
Dentist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.