Registered Nurse vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Occupational Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $2,780/year (3%) higher than a Registered Nurse. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $142,857 | Registered $4,227 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $124,025 | Registered $8,252 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $142,137 | Registered $3,270 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $108,921 | Registered $1,882 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $105,288 | Registered $2,508 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $129,144 | Registered +$621 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £76,976 | Registered $24,939 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$136,460 | Registered $41,846 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Occupational Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $2,780 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Occupational Therapist?+
Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurse 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 — Registered Nurse or Occupational Therapist?+
Occupational Therapist has a lower AI automation risk (15% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.