Veterinarian vs Occupational Therapist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Veterinarian
Diagnose and treat illness and injury in companion animals and livestock.
Occupational Therapist
Help people regain independence in daily activities following injury or illness.
Veterinarian earns more on average — the national median is $35,458/year (35%) higher than a Occupational Therapist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Veterinarian vs Occupational Therapist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Veterinarian | Occupational Therapist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,106 | $142,857 | Veterinarian +$51,249 |
| New York, NY | $161,125 | $124,025 | Veterinarian +$37,100 |
| Seattle, WA | $198,083 | $142,137 | Veterinarian +$55,946 |
| Austin, TX | $153,696 | $108,921 | Veterinarian +$44,775 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,633 | $105,288 | Veterinarian +$41,345 |
| Boston, MA | $172,898 | $129,144 | Veterinarian +$43,754 |
| London, UK | £107,404 | £76,976 | Veterinarian +$30,428 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$183,478 | CA$136,460 | Veterinarian +$47,018 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Veterinarian or Occupational Therapist earn more?+
A Veterinarian earns more on average. The national median salary for a Veterinarian is $135,788/year, compared to $100,330/year for a Occupational Therapist — a difference of $35,458 (35%).
Which has better career growth — Veterinarian or Occupational Therapist?+
Veterinarian roles are growing at 19% YoY while Occupational Therapist demand is growing at 14% YoY. Veterinarian has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Veterinarian 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 — Veterinarian or Occupational Therapist?+
Veterinarian has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.