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Occupational Therapist Licensing in New York

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

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

    NYS Education Department • State Board for Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $95,370 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #27 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet New York 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 NYS Education Department~State Board for Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $95,370, Occupational Therapists in New York earn 3% below the national median of $98,340. New York ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$95,370

Hourly estimate

$45.85
3% below national median

Difference: -$2,970

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,120
  • P2525th percentile$77,980
  • P50Median$95,370
  • P7575th percentile$112,170
  • P9090th percentile$139,800

State vs National Median

State: $95,370
National: $98,340

Total employment: 10,540 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapist Salary Ranking

#27 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
New York$95,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$86,420Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$98,420Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$102,080Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
New Jersey$103,340Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$94,120Degree 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
New York68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Vermont68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Massachusetts68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Connecticut78HighBoard-specific review required.
New Jersey68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NYS Education Department • State Board for Occupational Therapy

89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234

Phone: 5184743817ext100

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FAQ

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

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 New York?

New York 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 York?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in New York is $95,370. Salaries range from $63,120 (10th percentile) to $139,800 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapists in New York earn 3% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of $95,370.

How many Occupational Therapists work in New York?

New York employs approximately 10,540 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.

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

The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.

How often do you renew a Occupational Therapist license in New York?

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