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The differences between occupational therapists and behavior analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an occupational therapist, becoming a behavior analyst takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, an occupational therapist has an average salary of $75,707, which is higher than the $73,616 average annual salary of a behavior analyst.
The top three skills for an occupational therapist include patients, rehabilitation and home health. The most important skills for a behavior analyst are autism, applied behavior analysis, and BCBA.
| Occupational Therapist | Behavior Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $75,707 | $73,616 |
| Hourly rate | $36.40 | $35.39 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 14% |
| Number of jobs | 78,315 | 67,013 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 6 |
An occupational therapist specializes in treating patients who are recovering from illnesses or disabilities to help them adapt and overcome the physical and mental difficulties they face in their daily lives. The responsibilities of an occupational therapist revolve around examining a patient's medical history and conducting different kinds of assessments to determine what type of treatment a patient should receive. Furthermore, an occupational therapist must build rapport with a patient to make them feel at ease and coordinate with their guardian or family to discuss the recommended ways to help the patient adjust and recuperate.
A behavior analyst is responsible for supporting patients and students with mental and social difficulties, developing treatment plans to address their learning and/or social disabilities. Behavior analysts monitor the students' progress by evaluating their learning and providing them with comprehensive materials and resources according to a targeted curriculum. They also adjust therapy programs as needed, coordinating with other health professionals, students' families, and teachers to provide the best techniques to support their development.
Occupational therapists and behavior analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Occupational Therapist | Behavior Analyst | |
| Average salary | $75,707 | $73,616 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $97,000 | Between $51,000 And $105,000 |
| Highest paying City | Salinas, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Waters | Empower U |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Government |
There are a few differences between an occupational therapist and a behavior analyst in terms of educational background:
| Occupational Therapist | Behavior Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 55% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Occupational Therapy | Psychology |
| Most common college | Duke University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between occupational therapists' and behavior analysts' demographics:
| Occupational Therapist | Behavior Analyst | |
| Average age | 40 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.8% Female, 83.2% | Male, 28.9% Female, 71.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 9.6% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 14% | 12% |