Application Fee
See agencyVerified by SD Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapist Licensing in South Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapist in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapist in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$81,430 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in South Dakota
With a median salary of $81,430, Occupational Therapists in South Dakota earn 17% below the national median of $98,340. South Dakota ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,123Median annual salary
$81,430Hourly estimate
$39.1517% below national median
Difference: -$16,910
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapist Salary Ranking
#49 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $81,430 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $79,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $85,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $88,780 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $87,010 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $89,370 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Montana | $84,440 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
101 N Main Ave Ste 301, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104
Phone: 6053677781
Related Careers in South Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,200 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $102,310 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist in South Dakota?
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 is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in South Dakota is $81,430. Salaries range from $61,890 (10th percentile) to $100,040 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapist salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in South Dakota earn 17% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of $81,430.
How many Occupational Therapists work in South Dakota?
South Dakota employs approximately 520 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.sdbmoe.gov/.
How often do you renew a Occupational Therapist license in South Dakota?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.