Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Occupational Therapy Board
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,430 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania 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 Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Occupational Therapy Board.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 61,430, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 10% below the national median of 68340. Pennsylvania ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$61,430Hourly estimate
$29.5310% below national median
Difference: -$6,910
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking
#39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $61,430 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $64,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $72,800 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $72,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $77,330 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $61,320 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $62,960 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Occupational Therapy Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831389
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $75,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $61,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pennsylvania is 61,430. Salaries range from 48630 (10th percentile) to 76200 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Pennsylvania earn 10% below the national median of 68340, with a state median of 61,430.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 2010 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Occupational Therapy Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/OccupationalTherapy.