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Verified by LA Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapist Licensing in Louisiana

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

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

    Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $94,030 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #31 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of $94,030, Occupational Therapists in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $98,340. Louisiana ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$94,030

Hourly estimate

$45.21
4% below national median

Difference: -$4,310

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$56,570
  • P2525th percentile$68,630
  • P50Median$94,030
  • P7575th percentile$104,440
  • P9090th percentile$122,990

State vs National Median

State: $94,030
National: $98,340

Total employment: 2,030 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapist Salary Ranking

#31 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
Louisiana$94,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$99,350Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$92,330Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$101,760Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams 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
Louisiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arkansas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Mississippi68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Texas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

630 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130

Phone: 5045686820ext115

Related Careers in Louisiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course required6 months
AnesthesiologistN/ADegree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$62,500Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$75,740Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Louisiana?

Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Louisiana is $94,030. Salaries range from $56,570 (10th percentile) to $122,990 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapists in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of $94,030.

How many Occupational Therapists work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 2,030 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.lsbme.la.gov/licensure/acupuncturist.

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

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