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Salary

How much does a Recreational Therapist make?

The average salary for a Recreational Therapist is $77,235 per year in the US.

Recreational Therapists play a key role in helping people with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries. They make a positive difference in their patients’ lives. The salary for this job varies based on experience, location, and other factors. On average, a Recreational Therapist earns around $77,235 each year.

Here is a closer look at the salary distribution for Recreational Therapists:

  • 12.28% earn around $35,400 or less.
  • 22.08% earn between $35,400 and $45,418.
  • 16.01% earn between $45,418 and $55,436.
  • 10.63% earn between $55,436 and $65,455.
  • 4.00% earn between $65,455 and $75,473.
  • 4.18% earn between $75,473 and $85,491.
  • 2.90% earn between $85,491 and $95,509.
  • 2.42% earn between $95,509 and $105,527.
  • 7.28% earn between $105,527 and $115,545.
  • 2.86% earn between $115,545 and $125,564.
  • 10.35% earn $125,564 or more.

This range offers various opportunities for growth and advancement. With experience and dedication, many Recreational Therapists see their salary increase over time.

View Recreational Therapist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?

Stockton, CA, leads the pack with the highest average salary for recreational therapists, offering $129,944 per year. Miami, FL, and Bakersfield, CA, follow closely, each providing competitive pay that exceeds $120,000 annually. These cities present attractive opportunities for professionals in this rewarding field. Other top cities include Los Angeles and Houston, where recreational therapists earn over $110,000 per year. Cities like San Antonio and Austin, while slightly lower in salary, still offer strong compensation and vibrant job markets. These locations combine competitive wages with the chance to make a significant impact on patient well-being.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Stockton, CA with the highest at $129,944 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $103,432.
  1. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $129,944
    Working as a therapist in Stockton allows you to make a positive impact on patients' lives. Stockton offers various healthcare facilities, including Kaiser Permanente, that provide excellent opportunities.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA


  2. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $124,456
    Miami's warm climate makes it a great place for recreational therapy. Here, therapists often work in top healthcare institutions like Jackson Health System, where they can engage patients in therapeutic activities.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Miami, FL


  3. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $122,884
    In Bakersfield, therapists enjoy a supportive community. The city has many local healthcare providers where professionals can work, offering a mix of urban and rural environments.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  4. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $116,699
    Memphis offers a vibrant cultural scene that complements therapeutic work. Therapists here often find jobs with organizations like Regional One Health, providing diverse patient interactions.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Memphis, TN


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $111,164
    Los Angeles provides a dynamic environment for recreational therapists. The city is home to major employers like Cedars-Sinai, offering numerous opportunities to help diverse populations.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $109,233
    Working in Virginia Beach allows therapists to benefit from a scenic coastal location. Local facilities like Sentara Healthcare often seek professionals to enhance patient well-being.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  7. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $108,324
    Houston's thriving medical community offers many roles for therapists. Hospitals such as Houston Methodist provide extensive programs for patient rehabilitation and engagement.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Houston, TX


  8. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $106,425
    Fresno’s central location makes it an ideal place for therapists. The city has a range of healthcare employers, including Community Regional Medical Center, focusing on comprehensive patient care.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Fresno, CA


  9. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $105,807
    San Antonio offers a mix of urban and natural settings for recreational therapists. Local employers like University Health System provide many opportunities to work with a diverse patient population.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Antonio, TX


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $103,432
    Austin’s vibrant and growing city scene presents excellent opportunities for therapists. Employers such as St. David’s HealthCare offer dynamic environments for patient engagement and therapy.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Recreational Therapist can work for?

Recreational Therapists can earn top salaries at Legacy Personnel Inc, with an average of $133,897 annually. Alliant Personnel Resources and Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. also offer competitive pay, with averages near $124,000 and $121,530, respectively. These companies provide promising career paths for those looking to maximize their earnings.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Legacy Personnel Inc with the highest at $133,897 and University of Maryland Medical System with the lowest at $68,995.
  1. Legacy Personnel Inc
    Average Salary: $133,897
    Legacy Personnel Inc offers rewarding positions for Recreational Therapists. They focus on providing care in multiple states, including Texas, Florida, and California. They value creativity and teamwork.


  2. Alliant Personnel Resources
    Average Salary: $124,000
    Alliant Personnel Resources is a leader in the healthcare staffing industry. They seek dedicated professionals for Recreational Therapist roles. Their facilities are located across New York and New Jersey. They offer growth opportunities and professional development.


  3. Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Average Salary: $121,530
    Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. provides enriching opportunities for Recreational Therapists. They are based in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. They focus on patient care and well-being. They offer a supportive environment for growth.


  4. California Correctional Health Care Services
    Average Salary: $115,179
    California Correctional Health Care Services needs talented Recreational Therapists. They operate throughout California, providing care in correctional facilities. They emphasize team collaboration and patient support.


  5. Collage Rehabilitation Partners
    Average Salary: $90,000
    Collage Rehabilitation Partners hires Recreational Therapists to make a difference. They are based in Virginia and West Virginia. They focus on improving patients' lives through therapeutic activities. They offer a positive work culture.


  6. Rehab Without Walls
    Average Salary: $85,385
    Rehab Without Walls seeks compassionate Recreational Therapists. They serve locations in Colorado, Florida, and Texas. They emphasize flexibility and patient-centered care. They provide a rewarding work environment.


  7. Crestwood Behavioral Health
    Average Salary: $83,549
    Crestwood Behavioral Health looks for dedicated Recreational Therapists. They operate in Illinois and Texas. They focus on holistic patient care. They offer a supportive and collaborative work environment.


  8. North Spring Behavioral Healthcare
    Average Salary: $69,936
    North Spring Behavioral Healthcare hires Recreational Therapists to join their team. They are based in Virginia and Washington, D.C. They focus on patient well-being and therapeutic activities. They offer opportunities for professional growth.


  9. New York State Office of Mental Health
    Average Salary: $69,305
    The New York State Office of Mental Health provides important roles for Recreational Therapists. They operate across New York. They focus on patient care and support. They offer a stable and supportive work environment.


  10. University of Maryland Medical System
    Average Salary: $68,995
    The University of Maryland Medical System seeks dedicated Recreational Therapists. They operate in Maryland. They focus on patient care and therapeutic activities. They offer a supportive work environment and professional growth opportunities.

How to earn more as a Recreational Therapist?

A Recreational Therapist can earn more through various strategies. Taking the right steps can lead to increased pay and job satisfaction. One way to earn more involves gaining specialized certifications. These certifications can make a therapist more valuable to employers. Common areas include therapeutic recreation specialties or certifications in mental health.

Another factor involves gaining experience. More years in the field can lead to higher pay. Working in different settings, like hospitals or community centers, can also expand a therapist's skill set. Employers often value diverse experience. Continuing education is another way to earn more. Attending workshops and conferences can keep a therapist's skills sharp. This can make them more competitive in the job market. Networking with other professionals can open up new opportunities. Finally, moving to a higher-paying area can boost income. Research shows that certain regions offer higher wages for recreational therapists.

To summarize, gaining certifications, experience, education, networking, and relocating can all increase earnings. Taking these steps can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.

  1. Certifications: Get specialized certifications to increase value.
  2. Experience: More years and diverse settings can boost pay.
  3. Education: Attend workshops and conferences for skill enhancement.
  4. Networking: Connect with other professionals for new opportunities.
  5. Relocation: Consider moving to higher-paying areas.

Currently 297 Recreational Therapist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Recreational Therapist in the US?

Learn what a Recreational Therapist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Recreational Therapist today.
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Recreational Therapist
297 Job Openings