How the national numbers differ
1Pharmacy Aides has the edge on annual openings
Pharmacy Aides is at 5,100 annual openings, compared with 600 annual openings for Occupational Therapy Aides.
Occupational Therapy Aides has the edge on projected growth
Occupational Therapy Aides is at 3.6% projected growth, compared with -0.7% projected growth for Pharmacy Aides.
Typical preparation differs.
Occupational Therapy Aides: High school diploma or equivalent; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Pharmacy Aides: High school diploma or equivalent; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing Preparation categories do not establish admission difficulty, calendar time, tuition, time without earnings, or licensing difficulty.
Occupational Therapy Aides has the edge on median pay
Occupational Therapy Aides is at $39,160, compared with $37,680 for Pharmacy Aides.
28/ 100Occupational Therapy Aides
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Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Occupational Therapy Aides vs Pharmacy Aides
| Dimension | Occupational Therapy Aides | Pharmacy Aides |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $39,160 | $37,680 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 10.2 percentile | 7.8 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 3.6% | -0.7% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 600 | 5,100 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 4,400 | 39,200 |
|---|
| How you qualify | High school diploma or equivalent; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | High school diploma or equivalent; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 3 | Job Zone 2 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
