Career comparison
Occupational Therapist vs Physical Therapist
A side-by-side read on pay, outlook, and — the part that actually decides it — which one fits the way you work.
Occupational Therapist
$92,000median
$72K – $138K
Occupational Therapist rewards strength in execution discipline and social interaction.
Physical Therapist
$95,000median
$72K – $138K
Physical Therapist rewards strength in social interaction and execution discipline.
Head to head
MetricOccupational TherapistPhysical Therapist
Median salary$92k$95k✓
5-year growth70/10068/100
Future-proof82/10084/100
Remote potential16/10012/100
Stress level54/10056/100
Entry difficulty80/10084/100
Figures from the Work Fit IQ catalog, calibrated to public 2024-2026 US labor signals (BLS OEWS/OOH, O*NET, Levels.fyi). A highlighted side means a meaningful edge on that metric, not a verdict on the whole career.
The key differences in the work itself
- Physical Therapist leans noticeably more on creative output (56/100 vs 44/100), so if that's your strength it points toward Physical Therapist over Occupational Therapist.
- Physical Therapist leans noticeably more on autonomy (70/100 vs 60/100), so if that's your strength it points toward Physical Therapist over Occupational Therapist.
Read the full guides
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