Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in North Carolina, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State 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
NC Board of Occupational Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$70,940 median (4% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#16 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: State exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the NC Board of Occupational Therapy.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of 70,940, Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina earn 4% above the national median of 68340. North Carolina ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$70,940Hourly estimate
$34.114% above national median
Difference: +$2,600
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking
#16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $70,940 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $73,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $62,060 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $66,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $72,970 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Georgia | 33 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 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
NC Board of Occupational Therapy
4140 ParkLake Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC, 27612
Phone: 9198321380ext0
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $80,350 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $59,390 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,710 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina is 70,940. Salaries range from 57780 (10th percentile) to 80960 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in North Carolina earn 4% above the national median of 68340, with a state median of 70,940.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 1620 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Occupational Therapy. Review agency details at http://www.ncbot.org/.