How much does a Recreational Therapist make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?

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

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



