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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 board website and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See board website

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • California Board of Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  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 (4)

  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. Submit your application to the Department of Consumer Affairs~California Board of Occupational Therapy.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 79,420, Occupational Therapy Assistants in California earn 16% above the national median of 68340. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

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: 3290 | Annual openings: null

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California79,420
#2Texas77,910
#3Arkansas77,340
#4Maryland77,330
#5Nevada76,450

Nearby States Comparison

Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$79,420Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$73,580Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$76,450Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$75,020Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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.

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.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • California Board of Occupational Therapy

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

Phone: 9162632294

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Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$85,080Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$71,920Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,910Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 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 57820 (10th percentile) to 100860 (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 68340, with a state median of 79,420.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in California?

California employs approximately 3290 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.

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/.