Surgeon vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Surgeon
Perform operative procedures to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Surgeon earns more on average — the national median is $324,008/year (323%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Surgeon vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Surgeon | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $600,082 | $142,857 | Surgeon +$457,225 |
| New York, NY | $498,340 | $124,025 | Surgeon +$374,315 |
| Seattle, WA | $606,568 | $142,137 | Surgeon +$464,431 |
| Austin, TX | $487,767 | $108,921 | Surgeon +$378,846 |
| Chicago, IL | $464,470 | $105,288 | Surgeon +$359,182 |
| Boston, MA | $566,760 | $129,144 | Surgeon +$437,616 |
| London, UK | £236,648 | £76,976 | Surgeon +$159,672 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$419,646 | CA$136,460 | Surgeon +$283,186 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Surgeon or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Surgeon earns more on average. The national median salary for a Surgeon is $424,338/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $324,008 (323%).
Which has better career growth — Surgeon or Occupational Therapist?+
Surgeon roles are growing at 4% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Occupational Therapist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Surgeon 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 — Surgeon or Occupational Therapist?+
Surgeon has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.