Psychologist vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Psychologist
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through therapy.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Psychologist earns more on average — the national median is $3,774/year (4%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Psychologist vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Psychologist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,611 | $142,857 | Psychologist +$4,754 |
| New York, NY | $126,090 | $124,025 | Psychologist +$2,065 |
| Seattle, WA | $150,879 | $142,137 | Psychologist +$8,742 |
| Austin, TX | $117,260 | $108,921 | Psychologist +$8,339 |
| Chicago, IL | $111,439 | $105,288 | Psychologist +$6,151 |
| Boston, MA | $134,061 | $129,144 | Psychologist +$4,917 |
| London, UK | £79,636 | £76,976 | Psychologist +$2,660 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$137,379 | CA$136,460 | Psychologist +$919 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Psychologist or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Psychologist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Psychologist is $104,104/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $3,774 (4%).
Which has better career growth — Psychologist or Occupational Therapist?+
Psychologist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Psychologist to Occupational Therapist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Documentation.
Which is harder to automate — Psychologist or Occupational Therapist?+
Psychologist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.