Pay by Role
New Zealand · Salary comparison

Occupational Therapist vs Physician salary

In New Zealand, a physician earns about 108% more than a occupational therapist — $200,365 vs $96,152 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Healthcare
Occupational Therapist
$96,152/yr
Monthly
$8,003
Hourly
$46
Range
$71,913–$125,746
10-yr outlook
+12%
Pays more
Healthcare
Physician
$200,365/yr
Monthly
$16,697
Hourly
$96
Range
$128,222–$288,514
10-yr outlook
+3%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileOccupational TherapistPhysician
Entry (10th)$71,913$128,222
25th$84,061$164,322
Median$96,152$200,365
75th$110,949$244,468
Senior (90th)$125,746$288,514

National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Occupational Therapist vs Dental HygienistOccupational Therapist vs DentistOccupational Therapist vs Nurse PractitionerOccupational Therapist vs OptometristOccupational Therapist vs PharmacistOccupational Therapist vs Physical Therapist

Frequently asked questions

Does a occupational therapist or physician earn more in New Zealand?
A physician earns more, at about $348,000 per year vs $167,000 for a occupational therapist — roughly 108% ($181,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
A occupational therapist typically earns $124,900–$218,400, while a physician earns $222,700–$501,100 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
On a monthly basis before tax, a occupational therapist averages about $13,900 and a physician about $29,000.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a occupational therapist earns about $124,900 while a physician earns about $222,700 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a occupational therapist earns about $218,400 while a physician earns about $501,100 per year.
Are occupational therapist and physician 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.