Physician Assistant vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician Assistant
Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Physician Assistant earns more on average — the national median is $35,550/year (35%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician Assistant vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician Assistant | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,171 | $142,857 | Physician +$51,314 |
| New York, NY | $161,633 | $124,025 | Physician +$37,608 |
| Seattle, WA | $167,290 | $142,137 | Physician +$25,153 |
| Austin, TX | $149,404 | $108,921 | Physician +$40,483 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,066 | $105,288 | Physician +$38,778 |
| Boston, MA | $176,632 | $129,144 | Physician +$47,488 |
| London, UK | £107,878 | £76,976 | Physician +$30,902 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,745 | CA$136,460 | Physician +$46,285 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician Assistant or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Physician Assistant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician Assistant is $135,880/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $35,550 (35%).
Which has better career growth — Physician Assistant or Occupational Therapist?+
Physician Assistant roles are growing at 28% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Physician Assistant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician Assistant 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 — Physician Assistant or Occupational Therapist?+
Physician Assistant has a lower AI automation risk (14% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.