Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapist Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapist in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapist in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$92,330 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to MS State Dept. of Health~Professional Licensure Division~Office of Licensure and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $92,330, Occupational Therapists in Mississippi earn 6% below the national median of $98,340. Mississippi ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$92,330Hourly estimate
$44.396% below national median
Difference: -$6,010
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapist Salary Ranking
#36 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $119,470 |
| #2 | Oregon | $106,840 |
| #3 | Nevada | $104,770 |
| #4 | Colorado | $103,970 |
| #5 | Oklahoma | $103,510 |
Nearby States Comparison
Occupational Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $92,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $96,030 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $95,410 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $94,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $99,350 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arkansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS, 39215-1700
Phone: 6013647360
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,260 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapist licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Mississippi is $92,330. Salaries range from $68,390 (10th percentile) to $114,010 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapist salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Mississippi earn 6% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of $92,330.
How many Occupational Therapists work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 1,120 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS State Dept. of Health / Professional Licensure Division / Office of Licensure. Review agency details at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/30,0,82.html.
How often do you renew a Occupational Therapist license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.