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How to Get an Occupational Therapist License in South Dakota (2026)
South Dakota is an OT Compact member state, giving eligible occupational therapists the fastest path to practice privileges — typically 1–3 days via compact.aota.org instead of 6–12 weeks for full endorsement.
South Dakota OT license at a glance
- Issuing board: SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
- OT Compact member: Yes
- Application fee: ~$80
- Processing time (compact): 1–3 business days
- Processing time (endorsement): 6–10 weeks
- NBCOT required: Yes
- CEU requirement (renewal): 24 hours per 2-year cycle
South Dakota OT compensation 2026
| Setting | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Hospital / acute care | $64K–$88K |
| SNF / long-term care | $58K–$80K |
| Outpatient / clinic | $56K–$76K |
| School system | $52K–$70K |
| Home health | $60K–$86K |
Where OT demand is highest in South Dakota
- Sioux Falls: Sanford Health, Avera McKennan Hospital, VA Sioux Falls
- Rapid City: Monument Health
- Aberdeen: Avera St. Luke's, Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center
Bottom line
South Dakota OT Compact membership means fast access for traveling OTs. The $80 fee is one of the lowest in the country, making SD an easy compact add-on for multi-state OT practitioners.
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