Occupational Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In Australia, a occupational therapist earns about 51% more than a registered nurse — $150,592 vs $99,932 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
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Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$150,592/yr
- Monthly
- $12,561
- Hourly
- $72
- Range
- $112,632–$196,949
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Occupational Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $112,632 | $72,936 |
| 25th | $131,646 | $86,469 |
| Median | $150,592 | $99,932 |
| 75th | $173,770 | $116,448 |
| Senior (90th) | $196,949 | $132,895 |
National Australia figures in AUD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a occupational therapist or registered nurse earn more in Australia?
- A occupational therapist earns more, at about $217,000 per year vs $144,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 51% ($73,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in Australia?
- A occupational therapist typically earns $162,300–$283,800, while a registered nurse earns $105,100–$191,500 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 registered nurse about $12,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in Australia, a occupational therapist earns about $162,300 while a registered nurse earns about $105,100 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in Australia, a occupational therapist earns about $283,800 while a registered nurse earns about $191,500 per year.
- Are occupational therapist and registered nurse 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.