Occupational Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In New Zealand, a occupational therapist earns about 3% more than a registered nurse — $96,152 vs $93,273 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
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Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$96,152/yr
- Monthly
- $8,003
- Hourly
- $46
- Range
- $71,913–$125,746
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Occupational Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $71,913 | $68,113 |
| 25th | $84,061 | $80,664 |
| Median | $96,152 | $93,273 |
| 75th | $110,949 | $108,646 |
| Senior (90th) | $125,746 | $124,077 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a occupational therapist or registered nurse earn more in New Zealand?
- A occupational therapist earns more, at about $167,000 per year vs $162,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 3% ($5,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A occupational therapist typically earns $124,900–$218,400, while a registered nurse earns $118,300–$215,500 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 registered nurse about $13,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a occupational therapist earns about $124,900 while a registered nurse earns about $118,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a occupational therapist earns about $218,400 while a registered nurse earns about $215,500 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.