Healthcare Resource
How to Get an Occupational Therapist License in Texas (2026)
In brief
OT licensure in Texas 2026: OT Compact member, TX Executive Council of PT and OT Examiners, fast compact privilege, and compensation benchmarks.
Steps at a glance
Check OT Compact eligibility
Texas 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 TX Executive Council.
Submit state application and fees
Apply through the Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners portal. Fee ~$125.
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
Texas 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.
Texas OT license at a glance
- Issuing board: Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners
- OT Compact member: Yes
- Application fee: ~$125
- Processing time (compact): 1-3 business days
- Processing time (endorsement): 6-10 weeks
- NBCOT required: Yes
- CEU requirement (renewal): 30 hours per 2-year cycle
Texas OT compensation 2026
| Setting | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Hospital / acute care | $72K-$95K |
| SNF / long-term care | $65K-$88K |
| Outpatient / clinic | $62K-$84K |
| School system | $58K-$78K |
| Home health | $68K-$92K |
Where OT demand is highest in Texas
- Dallas / Fort Worth: Baylor Scott & White Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Texas Health Resources, Methodist Health System
- Houston: Memorial Hermann Health System, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist, HCA Gulf Coast
- San Antonio: University Health, Baptist Health System, CHRISTUS Health
- Austin: Ascension Seton, St. David's HealthCare, Dell Seton Medical Center
Bottom line
Texas is one of the largest OT markets in the country. OT Compact membership means 1-3 day practice privileges. The $125 fee and no state income tax make Texas a top destination for traveling OTs.
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.