Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Occupational Therapy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- 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 (7)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to NC Board of Occupational Therapy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
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 $68,340. North Carolina ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $73,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $62,060 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Georgia | $66,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $72,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| 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. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in North Carolina?
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 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 $57,780 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (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 $68,340, with a state median of $70,940.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 1,620 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Occupational Therapy Assistant license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.