Occupational Therapist vs Registered Nurse salary
In United States, a occupational therapist earns about 5% more than a registered nurse — $106,000 vs $101,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Healthcare
Occupational Therapist$106,000/yr
- Monthly
- $8,800
- Hourly
- $51
- Range
- $79,300–$138,600
- 10-yr outlook
- +12%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Occupational Therapist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $79,300 | $73,700 |
| 25th | $92,600 | $87,400 |
| Median | $106,000 | $101,000 |
| 75th | $122,300 | $117,700 |
| Senior (90th) | $138,600 | $134,300 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a occupational therapist or registered nurse earn more in United States?
- A occupational therapist earns more, at about $106,000 per year vs $101,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 5% ($5,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A occupational therapist typically earns $79,300–$138,600, while a registered nurse earns $73,700–$134,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a occupational therapist averages about $8,800 and a registered nurse about $8,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a occupational therapist earns about $79,300 while a registered nurse earns about $73,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a occupational therapist earns about $138,600 while a registered nurse earns about $134,300 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.