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Verified by IA Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapist Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapist in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapist in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $88,780 median (10% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing~Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $88,780, Occupational Therapists in Iowa earn 10% below the national median of $98,340. Iowa ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$88,780

Hourly estimate

$42.68
10% below national median

Difference: -$9,560

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$69,560
  • P2525th percentile$78,540
  • P50Median$88,780
  • P7575th percentile$103,470
  • P9090th percentile$115,270

State vs National Median

State: $88,780
National: $98,340

Total employment: 1,170 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapist Salary Ranking

#39 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$119,470
#2Oregon$106,840
#3Nevada$104,770
#4Colorado$103,970
#5Oklahoma$103,510

Nearby States Comparison

Occupational Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$88,780Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$85,040Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$86,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$98,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$93,600Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$87,010Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$81,430Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Illinois68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0075

Phone: 5152810254

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$385,010Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$49,700Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$93,790Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Occupational Therapists in Iowa?

Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapist in Iowa?

The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapist licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Iowa is $88,780. Salaries range from $69,560 (10th percentile) to $115,270 (90th percentile).

How does the Occupational Therapist salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Occupational Therapists in Iowa earn 10% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of $88,780.

How many Occupational Therapists work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 1,170 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapists in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/physical-occupational-therapy.

How often do you renew a Occupational Therapist license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.