Occupational Therapist vs Physician Assistant salary
In Australia, a physician assistant earns about 50% more than a occupational therapist — $226,235 vs $150,592 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is AUD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$150,592/yr
- Monthly
- $12,561
- Hourly
- $72
- Range
- $112,632–$196,949
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician Assistant$226,235/yr
- Monthly
- $18,876
- Hourly
- $109
- Range
- $165,165–$300,906
- 10-yr outlook
- +27%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Occupational Therapist | Physician Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $112,632 | $165,165 |
| 25th | $131,646 | $195,700 |
| Median | $150,592 | $226,235 |
| 75th | $173,770 | $263,570 |
| Senior (90th) | $196,949 | $300,906 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a occupational therapist or physician assistant earn more in Australia?
- A physician assistant earns more, at about $326,000 per year vs $217,000 for a occupational therapist — roughly 50% ($109,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A occupational therapist typically earns $162,300–$283,800, while a physician assistant earns $238,000–$433,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in Australia?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a occupational therapist averages about $18,100 and a physician assistant about $27,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a occupational therapist earns about $162,300 while a physician assistant earns about $238,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a occupational therapist earns about $283,800 while a physician assistant earns about $433,600 per year.
- Are occupational therapist and physician assistant similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.