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Verified by KY Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapist Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapist in Kentucky, 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 Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Professional Licensing • Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $91,250 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #37 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky 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 Professional Licensing~Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $91,250, Occupational Therapists in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $98,340. Kentucky ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$91,250

Hourly estimate

$43.87
7% below national median

Difference: -$7,090

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$68,140
  • P2525th percentile$78,210
  • P50Median$91,250
  • P7575th percentile$103,230
  • P9090th percentile$115,940

State vs National Median

State: $91,250
National: $98,340

Total employment: 2,110 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapist Salary Ranking

#37 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
Kentucky$91,250Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$93,500Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$95,880Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$93,260Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$100,540Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$96,030Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$93,600Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$98,900Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Indiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Professional Licensing • Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy

500 Mero Street, 2 SC 32, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5027828807

Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$82,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$280,130Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$51,550Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$90,950Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Kentucky?

Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Kentucky is $91,250. Salaries range from $68,140 (10th percentile) to $115,940 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapists in Kentucky earn 7% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of $91,250.

How many Occupational Therapists work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 2,110 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Department of Professional Licensing / Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at http://bot.ky.gov/.

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

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