Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$96,030 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $96,030, Occupational Therapists in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $98,340. Tennessee ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$96,030Hourly estimate
$46.172% below national median
Difference: -$2,310
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapist Salary Ranking
#24 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $96,030 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $91,250 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $100,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $94,580 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $98,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $95,410 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $92,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $99,350 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $93,600 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243
Phone: N/A
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Occupational Therapist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Tennessee is $96,030. Salaries range from $67,920 (10th percentile) to $115,280 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapists in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $98,340, with a state median of $96,030.
How many Occupational Therapists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 2,490 Occupational Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Occupational Therapist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.