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Verified by MA Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Exam required.

  6. 6

    No continuing education required.

Exam and processing details

  • required. No continuing education required.

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions • Division of Professional Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $72,750 median (6% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #12 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
  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 required. No continuing education required..
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions~Division of Professional Licensure and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $72,750, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Massachusetts earn 6% above the national median of $68,340. Massachusetts ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$72,750

Hourly estimate

$34.98
6% above national median

Difference: +$4,410

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,100
  • P2525th percentile$57,880
  • P50Median$72,750
  • P7575th percentile$77,890
  • P9090th percentile$84,560

State vs National Median

State: $72,750
National: $68,340

Total employment: 1,540 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#12 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
Massachusetts$72,750Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$66,560Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-17 years
Vermont$67,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$64,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$71,210Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Rhode Island$63,590Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Vermont54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Rhode Island50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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

Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions • Division of Professional Licensure

1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114

Phone: 6177273071

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FAQ

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

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 Therapy Assistants in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Massachusetts is $72,750. Salaries range from $45,100 (10th percentile) to $84,560 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Massachusetts earn 6% above the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $72,750.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 1,540 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/ah/.

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

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