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Verified by NH Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapist Licensing in New Hampshire

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapist in New Hampshire, including $60 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

$60

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapist in New Hampshire

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • Must be at least 17 years of age
  • Be of good moral character
  • Must complete an academic program in occupational therapy accredited by the American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or its successor organization
  • Complete a minimum of six months of supervised fieldwork experience
  • Applicants for Certification for the use of Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) who are not currently licensed in New Hampshire as a Physical Therapist must also either hold a currently valid certificate issued by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission or complete professional education consisting of six hours in ultrasound modalities and 15 hours relating to electrical stimulation modalities; and demonstrate competencies in a supervised clinical application (SCA)

Written national certification exam required

Completion of 24 hours of professional education is required biennially for license renewal. At least half of the contact hours shall relate directly to the clinical application of occupational therapy skills.

Fee TypeAmount
Application$60
Initial licensure fee$110

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $60

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $84,980 median (14% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Must be at least 17 years of age
  2. 2. Be of good moral character
  3. 3. Must complete an academic program in occupational therapy accredited by the American Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or its successor organization
  4. 4. Complete a minimum of six months of supervised fieldwork experience
  5. 5. Applicants for Certification for the use of Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) who are not currently licensed in New Hampshire as a Physical Therapist must also either hold a currently valid certificate issued by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission or complete professional education consisting of six hours in ultrasound modalities and 15 hours relating to electrical stimulation modalities; and demonstrate competencies in a supervised clinical application (SCA)

Salary Insights in New Hampshire

With a median salary of 84,980, Occupational Therapists in New Hampshire earn 14% below the national median of $98,340. New Hampshire ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$84,980

Hourly estimate

$40.86
14% below national median

Difference: -$13,360

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$59,770
  • P2525th percentile$75,710
  • P50Median$84,980
  • P7575th percentile$99,750
  • P9090th percentile$108,030

State vs National Median

State: $84,980
National: $98,340

Total employment: 1,080 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapist Salary Ranking

#45 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California119,470
#2Oregon106,840
#3Nevada104,770
#4Colorado103,970
#5Oklahoma103,510

Nearby States Comparison

Occupational Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Hampshire$84,980Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Maine$82,200No educational requirementsThird-party exam required6-24 months
Vermont$86,420Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Massachusetts$98,420Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New Hampshire58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Maine62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • 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

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH, 03301

Phone: 6032712152

Related Careers in New Hampshire

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$88,410Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$65,780Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$80,220Specific course required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$50,260Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 New Hampshire?

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in New Hampshire?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in New Hampshire is 84,980. Salaries range from $59,770 (10th percentile) to $108,030 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapists in New Hampshire earn 14% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of 84,980.

How many Occupational Therapists work in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire employs approximately 1,080 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

The licensing agency is Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Review agency details at https://www.oplc.nh.gov/occupational-therapy-governing-board.