Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Healthcare
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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapist in New York
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
NYS Education Department • State Board for Occupational Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$95,370 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 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 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 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$95,370Hourly estimate
$45.853% below national median
Difference: -$2,970
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapist Salary Ranking
#27 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $95,370 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $86,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $98,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Connecticut | $102,080 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $103,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $94,120 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-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
NYS Education Department • State Board for Occupational Therapy
89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743817ext100
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $98,750 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $82,640 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $84,660 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,020 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist in New York?
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 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. 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 York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.