Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Mississippi, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,160 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Mississippi eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the MS State Dept. of Health~Professional Licensure Division~Office of Licensure.
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of 62,160, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi earn 9% below the national median of 68340. Mississippi ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$62,160Hourly estimate
$29.889% below national median
Difference: -$6,180
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 79,420 |
| #2 | Texas | 77,910 |
| #3 | Arkansas | 77,340 |
| #4 | Maryland | 77,330 |
| #5 | Nevada | 76,450 |
Nearby States Comparison
Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $62,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $62,060 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $61,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $65,860 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $77,340 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS, 39215-1700
Phone: 6013647360
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $47,480 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,130 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Mississippi?
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 exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi?
Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi is 62,160. Salaries range from 51260 (10th percentile) to 78180 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi earn 9% below the national median of 68340, with a state median of 62,160.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 490 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Mississippi from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS State Dept. of Health / Professional Licensure Division / Office of Licensure. Review agency details at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/30,0,82.html.