Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by NM Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in New Mexico, 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 New Mexico
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: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$69,850 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet New Mexico 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 New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department~Boards and Commissions Division~New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy.
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of 69,850, Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Mexico earn 2% above the national median of 68340. New Mexico ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$69,850Hourly estimate
$33.582% above national median
Difference: +$1,510
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking
#17 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $69,850 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Colorado | $68,650 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $68,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $77,910 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $75,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $61,280 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department • Boards and Commissions Division • New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor, P.O. Box 25101, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone: 5054764880
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $77,440 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,950 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $46,530 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $38,840 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico?
New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Mexico is 69,850. Salaries range from 35770 (10th percentile) to 86390 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in New Mexico earn 2% above the national median of 68340, with a state median of 69,850.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 170 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to New Mexico 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 New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department / Boards and Commissions Division / New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/occupational-therapy/.