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Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    (1) A $50 application fee is required with all applications submitted.

  3. 3

    (2) A $49 fingerprint fee is required with fingerprint cards submitted (does not apply to livescan submission).

  4. 4

    (4) The initial license fee is prorated based on the $210 biennial renewal fee.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • California Board of Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,420 median (16% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation ((1) A $50 application fee is required with all applications submitted.; (2) A $49 fingerprint fee is required with fingerprint cards submitted (does not apply to livescan submission).).
  5. 5. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~California Board of Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $79,420, Occupational Therapy Assistants in California earn 16% above the national median of $68,340. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$79,420

Hourly estimate

$38.18
16% above national median

Difference: +$11,080

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$57,820
  • P2525th percentile$72,400
  • P50Median$79,420
  • P7575th percentile$94,130
  • P9090th percentile$100,860

State vs National Median

State: $79,420
National: $68,340

Total employment: 3,290 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$79,420
#2Texas$77,910
#3Arkansas$77,340
#4Maryland$77,330
#5Nevada$76,450

Nearby States Comparison

Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$79,420Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$73,580Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$76,450Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$75,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • California Board of Occupational Therapy

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2250, Sacramento, CA, 95815

Phone: 9162632294

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in California?

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 Therapy Assistant salary in California?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in California is $79,420. Salaries range from $57,820 (10th percentile) to $100,860 (90th percentile).

How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in California compare to the national average?

Occupational Therapy Assistants in California earn 16% above the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $79,420.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in California?

California employs approximately 3,290 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapy Assistants in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / California Board of Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.bot.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Occupational Therapy Assistant license in California?

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