Speech-Language Pathologist vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Occupational Therapist earns more on average — the national median is $2,460/year (3%) higher than a Speech-Language Pathologist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Speech-Language Pathologist vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Speech-Language Pathologist | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $141,321 | $142,857 | Speech-Language $1,536 |
| New York, NY | $119,548 | $124,025 | Speech-Language $4,477 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,695 | $142,137 | Speech-Language $2,442 |
| Austin, TX | $112,282 | $108,921 | Speech-Language +$3,361 |
| Chicago, IL | $103,493 | $105,288 | Speech-Language $1,795 |
| Boston, MA | $125,361 | $129,144 | Speech-Language $3,783 |
| London, UK | £74,721 | £76,976 | Speech-Language $2,255 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,294 | CA$136,460 | Speech-Language $10,166 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Occupational Therapist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Speech-Language Pathologist is $97,870/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $2,460 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist roles are growing at 19% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Speech-Language Pathologist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Speech-Language Pathologist 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 — Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist?+
Speech-Language Pathologist has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.