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Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Hawaii

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Hawaii

Estimated timeline: 18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Be at least 18 years old. 2) Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.

  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  7. 7

    Educational and experience requirements: Be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

  8. 8

    National Certification exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

  9. 9

    In 2022, pay $186 (application $50, license $86, compliance resolution fund $50).

  10. 10

    In 2023, pay $279 (application $50, license $86, compliance resolution fund $100, 1/2 renewal $43).

Exam and processing details

  • National Certification exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Occupational Therapy Program

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,300 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #31 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years old. 2) Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the U.S.).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Certification exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; In 2022, pay $186 (application $50, license $86, compliance resolution fund $50).).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs~Professional and Vocational Licensing Division~Occupational Therapy Program and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Hawaii

With a median salary of $63,300, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hawaii earn 7% below the national median of $68,340. Hawaii ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

-0.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,316

Median annual salary

$63,300

Hourly estimate

$30.43
7% below national median

Difference: -$5,040

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,150
  • P2525th percentile$63,250
  • P50Median$63,300
  • P7575th percentile$73,930
  • P9090th percentile$73,940

State vs National Median

State: $63,300
National: $68,340

Total employment: 60 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#31 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
Hawaii$63,300Degree requiredThird-party exam required18 years
California$79,420Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$73,580Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Washington$76,010Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alaska$51,840Varies 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
Hawaii54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs • Professional and Vocational Licensing Division • Occupational Therapy Program

P. O. Box 3469, [335 Merchant St., 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813], Honolulu, HI, 96801

Phone: 8085863000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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AnesthesiologistN/ADegree required3 years
Athletic Trainer$70,930Degree required18 years
Audiologist$92,120Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hawaii?

Hawaii lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Hawaii?

The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Hawaii.

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Hawaii?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hawaii is $63,300. Salaries range from $40,150 (10th percentile) to $73,940 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hawaii earn 7% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $63,300.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Hawaii?

Hawaii employs approximately 60 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

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

The licensing agency is Hawaii State Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs / Professional and Vocational Licensing Division / Occupational Therapy Program. Review agency details at http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/programs/occupational/.

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

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