Psychiatrist vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Psychiatrist earns more on average — the national median is $181,540/year (181%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Psychiatrist vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Psychiatrist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $420,872 | $142,857 | Psychiatrist +$278,015 |
| New York, NY | $344,472 | $124,025 | Psychiatrist +$220,447 |
| Seattle, WA | $412,989 | $142,137 | Psychiatrist +$270,852 |
| Austin, TX | $317,235 | $108,921 | Psychiatrist +$208,314 |
| Chicago, IL | $294,561 | $105,288 | Psychiatrist +$189,273 |
| Boston, MA | $362,959 | $129,144 | Psychiatrist +$233,815 |
| London, UK | £219,355 | £76,976 | Psychiatrist +$142,379 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$384,563 | CA$136,460 | Psychiatrist +$248,103 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Psychiatrist or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Psychiatrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Psychiatrist is $281,870/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $181,540 (181%).
Which has better career growth — Psychiatrist or Occupational Therapist?+
Psychiatrist roles are growing at 18% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Psychiatrist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Psychiatrist 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 — Psychiatrist or Occupational Therapist?+
Psychiatrist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.