Healthcare Resource
How to Get an Occupational Therapist License in Maryland (2026)
In brief
OT licensure in Maryland 2026: OT Compact member, MD Board of OT Practice, fast compact privilege, and Johns Hopkins/DC-suburb salaries.
Steps at a glance
Check OT Compact eligibility
Maryland is an OT Compact member. Apply at compact.aota.org for a practice privilege in 1-3 days.
Complete NBCOT certification
Pass the NBCOT OTR exam if not already certified. Scores reported directly to the MD Board.
Submit state application and fees
Apply through the MD Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Fee ~$150.
Verify prior state licensure
Provide license verification from all states where you hold or held an OT license.
Background check
Criminal background check required. Results typically 2-3 weeks.
In this article
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?
Ava Health places nurses and allied health professionals across Florida
Permanent, travel, contract, and per diem placement. No fees to candidates.
Explore staffing services →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 →Get Ava Health updates
Healthcare salary data and market updates from Ava Health. Sign up to hear when new resources are ready.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.