more than RN?

Nurses General Nursing

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just curious, do any of you know (at YOUR hospital) what the salary difference is like comparing RN to OT? i am very interested in occupational therapy and have heard MANY varying claims. 85% of people i've talked to say that OTs definitely make more money, basically the same as a PT, but i've searched and found a few posts on this website saying the opposite... despite the fact that it's a masters level entry profession. i don't actually know anyone who is an OT, just have several friends in OT school, and for various reasons i'm considering the profession. it totally intrigues me. if anyone could add their input, please do. thank you.

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In our health system (hospitals, NH's, home health) the RN's and OT's salary range is the same.

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last job i had in rehab both the ot and pt made mega bucks

don't quote me but i think it was close to $100k as to rn $50k

i drooled with envy ever time i saw their cars

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In our health system (hospitals, NH's, home health) the RN's and OT's salary range is the same.

honestly, that's somewhat appalling to me. i know nurses have soo many responsibilities, have to have so much knowledge, etc., but still - to have a masters of science and be making the same amount of money as someone with an associates degree from a community college? that just doesn't add up.

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can anyone else tell me how this is at their hospital?

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Many jobs that require master's degrees don't pay well. Many jobs for MSWs and Masters in Psych don't pay great. A Master's in Public Health without special skills generally won't land you a high paying job. And teachers... bachelors through PhDs, we know they generally don't make as much as others folks with a similar number of years of education.

On the other hand, you've got plumbers, mechanics, and electricians who might have no college degree and be making a very good living (not all, of course).

In general, higher education is correlated with higher income, but on a case by case by basis, fortunately or unfortunately, it varies a lot.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I hear OT's that work in LTC and other areas make much more money than nurses and hospital OT's. That's in this area. Apparently some need OT for their certifications and pay them top dollar to stay. She mentioned 70,0000/year, but I nothing other than what she was telling me.

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thanks for your input!

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

The OT's and PT's make a little more than the RN's where I'm from but there are OT/PT assistants that make a lot less. I think some people don't realize that there are different levels of OT/PT peeps.

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.
honestly, that's somewhat appalling to me. i know nurses have soo many responsibilities, have to have so much knowledge, etc., but still - to have a masters of science and be making the same amount of money as someone with an associates degree from a community college? that just doesn't add up.

Most physical therapists and occupational therapists coming out of school today have a master's degree or even a doctorate. Those who graduated years ago still have bachelor's degrees in some cases.

PT assistants and OT assistants are the ones with associate's degrees. Just wanted to clear that up.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Most PTs and OTs and STs all get more money starting out than RNs get.

Part of that is all their work is highly Billable.

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