Physical Therapist vs. Occupational Therapist

The short answer

Both are licensed in every state and have their own interstate compacts. PTs focus on movement and pain; OTs focus on the skills people need for daily living and work.

PTOT

What they do: Physical therapists help injured or ill people move better and manage pain.Occupational therapists help people with injuries, illnesses or disabilities build or keep the skills they need for daily living and work.
Typical entry-level education (BLS): Doctoral or professional degreeMaster's degree
Programs: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programsOccupational therapy programs (master's or doctorate)
Licensing: Every state requires a license, which includes passing a qualifying exam. Some states also require a law exam and a background check.Every state requires a license, and at a minimum you must pass a qualifying exam.
Licensing exam: Set by your stateNBCOT certification exam
U.S. median pay: $49.40/hr ($102,760/yr)$48.24/hr ($100,330/yr)
Projected growth, 2025–35: +11.9%+14.8%
Openings per year: 13,40010,000
Interstate compact: Physical Therapy Compact CommissionOccupational Therapy Licensure Compact Commission

Physical Therapist compared with Occupational Therapist
	Physical Therapist	Occupational Therapist
What they do	Physical therapists help injured or ill people move better and manage pain.	Occupational therapists help people with injuries, illnesses or disabilities build or keep the skills they need for daily living and work.
Typical entry-level education (BLS)	Doctoral or professional degree	Master's degree
Programs	Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs	Occupational therapy programs (master's or doctorate)
Licensing	Every state requires a license, which includes passing a qualifying exam. Some states also require a law exam and a background check.	Every state requires a license, and at a minimum you must pass a qualifying exam.
Licensing exam	Set by your state	NBCOT certification exam
U.S. median pay	$49.40/hr ($102,760/yr)	$48.24/hr ($100,330/yr)
Projected growth, 2025–35	+11.9%	+14.8%
Openings per year	13,400	10,000
Interstate compact	Physical Therapy Compact Commission	Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact Commission

Physical Therapist hub Occupational Therapist hub PT pay by state OT pay by state

Sources

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Occupational Therapist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.