CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by SD Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Any person licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy, under the supervision of or with the consultation of a licensed occupational therapist and whose license is in good standing.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $51,820 median (24% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #50 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Any person licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy, under the supervision of or with the consultation of a licensed oc...).
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $51,820, Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Dakota earn 24% below the national median of $68,340. South Dakota ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$51,820

Hourly estimate

$24.91
24% below national median

Difference: -$16,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,470
  • P2525th percentile$40,460
  • P50Median$51,820
  • P7575th percentile$58,340
  • P9090th percentile$70,670

State vs National Median

State: $51,820
National: $68,340

Total employment: 100 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#50 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
South Dakota$51,820Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$59,410Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$60,570Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$61,980Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$60,900Varies by state boardState-approved exam19 years
Wyoming$57,550Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Montana$67,410Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners

101 N Main Ave Ste 301, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104

Phone: 6053677781

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state boardVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$54,200Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$102,310Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Dakota is $51,820. Salaries range from $34,470 (10th percentile) to $70,670 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Dakota earn 24% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $51,820.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 100 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapy Assistants in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.sdbmoe.gov/.

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

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