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Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Missouri

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

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

    An applicant for licensure must complete and submit the application, pay all applicable fees, familiarize with the statues and regulation of the board.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Occupational Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $62,830 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Missouri 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.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; An applicant for licensure must complete and submit the application, pay all applicable fees, familiarize with the statues and regulation...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance~Division Of Professional Registration~Missouri State Board of Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of $62,830, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Missouri earn 8% below the national median of $68,340. Missouri ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,232

Median annual salary

$62,830

Hourly estimate

$30.21
8% below national median

Difference: -$5,510

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,500
  • P2525th percentile$56,440
  • P50Median$62,830
  • P7575th percentile$69,920
  • P9090th percentile$77,620

State vs National Median

State: $62,830
National: $68,340

Total employment: 1,030 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#33 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
Missouri$62,830Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$61,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$63,710Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$65,980Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$62,060Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Arkansas$77,340Varies by state boardThird-party exam required18 years
Oklahoma$68,710Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$64,880Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$60,900Varies by state boardState-approved exam19 years

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
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Arkansas58MediumState-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. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Occupational Therapy

3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1335

Phone: 5737510877ext8007352966

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FAQ

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

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 Missouri?

Missouri 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 Missouri?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Missouri?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Missouri is $62,830. Salaries range from $46,500 (10th percentile) to $77,620 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Missouri earn 8% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $62,830.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 1,030 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Missouri 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. Verify directly with the agency.

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

The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board of Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/octherapy.asp.

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

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