Healthcare Recruiting
How to Get an Occupational Therapist License in Maryland (2026)
Maryland is an OT Compact member state, allowing compact-eligible OTs to activate a practice privilege within 1–3 days. The MD Board of Occupational Therapy Practice oversees licensure, and major employers include Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health, and Sinai Hospital.
Maryland OT license at a glance
- Issuing board: MD Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
- OT Compact member: Yes
- Compact Privilege processing: 1–3 days
- Endorsement processing: 4–6 weeks
- Application fee: ~$150
- NBCOT required: Yes
OT Compact vs. full endorsement
Maryland's compact membership makes the Baltimore metro and DC suburbs rapidly accessible for travelers. Full endorsement (4–6 weeks) is required for OTs from non-compact states and involves NBCOT verification, prior license verification, and background check submission to the MD Board.
Maryland OT compensation 2026
| Setting | Median Base | Sign-On Range |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient / hand therapy | $80,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Acute care hospital | $90,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| SNF / skilled nursing | $86,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| School-based OT | $70,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Travel OT (13-week) | $100,000 + housing stipend | — |
Where OT demand is highest in Maryland
The Baltimore metro anchors Maryland's OT market, with Johns Hopkins Medicine and UMMS generating heavy academic medical center demand. Montgomery County and Prince George's County pay the highest Maryland salaries and benefit from DC-adjacent demand. Annapolis and the Eastern Shore have growing outpatient and SNF needs.
Bottom line
Maryland combines compact-state entry with one of the highest OT salary markets in the Mid-Atlantic. Johns Hopkins is a globally recognized employer and DC suburb positions offer premium pay for OTs comfortable with higher cost of living.
Related: OT License DC 2026, PT License Maryland 2026.
Hiring in this space?
Browse 1.4M+ verified providers across all 50 states
NPI-sourced, free, no account required. Filter by specialty + state in seconds.
Search the directory →Free tool
2026 Healthcare Salary Calculator
Estimate comp by specialty, state, experience, and practice setting. Based on MGMA, AMGA, and BLS benchmarks.
Try the salary calculator →Be on the launch list
Salary data, hiring plays, and market trends. We'll email you when issue 1 ships. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.