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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapist in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $96,030 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $95,410 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $94,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $99,350 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $47,480 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,130 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist in Mississippi?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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.