Medical Coder vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Occupational Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $43,752/year (77%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Medical Coder vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Medical Coder | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $83,101 | $142,857 | Medical $59,756 |
| New York, NY | $69,765 | $124,025 | Medical $54,260 |
| Seattle, WA | $79,430 | $142,137 | Medical $62,707 |
| Austin, TX | $64,839 | $108,921 | Medical $44,082 |
| Chicago, IL | $59,692 | $105,288 | Medical $45,596 |
| Boston, MA | $75,244 | $129,144 | Medical $53,900 |
| London, UK | £44,852 | £76,976 | Medical $32,124 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$75,011 | CA$136,460 | Medical $61,449 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Coder or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Occupational Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Medical Coder is $56,578/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $43,752 (77%).
Which has better career growth — Medical Coder or Occupational Therapist?+
Medical Coder roles are growing at 9% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Medical Coder 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 — Medical Coder or Occupational Therapist?+
Occupational Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.