How much does a Recreational Therapist make?
Recreational Therapists help people improve their health and well-being. They use activities like games, sports, and art to do this. The average yearly salary for a Recreational Therapist is $82,907. This means most therapists earn between this amount and more.
The salary can vary based on experience and location. Therapists with more experience often earn more. Some therapists work in places where the cost of living is high, and they earn more to match this. The lowest 10% of earners make about $38,000 a year. The highest 10% make over $141,000. This shows there is a wide range of salaries in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?

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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $127,767
In Stockton, professionals can find rewarding work in healthcare facilities. The city offers opportunities to help patients improve their quality of life. Companies like Kaiser Permanente provide excellent environments for growth.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $115,390
Bakersfield offers a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Working in this city means helping patients through engaging activities. Local hospitals and clinics offer many paths for career advancement.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $109,563
Los Angeles provides a vibrant setting for those in the field. The city's diverse population allows for a wide range of therapeutic activities. Major employers like Cedars-Sinai offer excellent benefits and growth opportunities.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $107,117
Dallas is a bustling city with many job opportunities. Here, therapists can work in top-notch hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Companies such as UT Southwestern offer a supportive work environment.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $106,137
Houston offers a dynamic work environment for therapists. The city's healthcare sector is growing, providing many job openings. Hospitals like Memorial Hermann offer excellent career development.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $104,748
San Jose provides a chance to work in a tech-driven city. Therapists here can use innovative methods to help patients. Companies like Stanford Health Care offer cutting-edge facilities and resources.
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Jackson, MS
Average Salary: $103,385
Jackson offers a warm and welcoming environment for therapists. Working here means helping patients in a close-knit community. Local hospitals provide a supportive setting for professional growth.
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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $101,855
Virginia Beach offers a beautiful coastal setting for professionals. The city's healthcare facilities provide many opportunities to make a positive impact. Employers like Sentara Healthcare offer excellent career paths.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $101,547
Denver provides a vibrant and active environment for therapists. The city's outdoor lifestyle offers unique opportunities for therapeutic activities. Companies like Denver Health offer a supportive work culture.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $101,421
Charlotte offers a growing job market for therapists. The city's healthcare sector is expanding, providing many job openings. Employers like Atrium Health offer excellent benefits and career growth.
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What are the best companies a Recreational Therapist can work for?

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Alliant Personnel Resources
Average Salary: $124,000
Alliant Personnel Resources offers rewarding positions for Recreational Therapists. They focus on providing quality care and have locations in various states. Their team values creativity and dedication in helping patients improve their quality of life.
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CPS HR CONSULTING
Average Salary: $115,495
CPS HR CONSULTING provides excellent opportunities for Recreational Therapists. They have locations in multiple cities and emphasize a supportive work environment. Their programs are designed to enhance patients' well-being through engaging activities.
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Complete Therapies, L.L.C.
Average Salary: $94,444
Complete Therapies, L.L.C. offers competitive salaries for Recreational Therapists. They operate in several states and focus on personalized care. Their therapists work in a collaborative setting to create meaningful therapeutic experiences.
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Rehab Without Walls
Average Salary: $91,993
Rehab Without Walls provides dynamic roles for Recreational Therapists. They have locations across the country and prioritize patient-centered care. Their team works to improve patients' lives through innovative recreational activities.
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Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc.
Average Salary: $89,385
Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc. offers rewarding positions for Recreational Therapists. They have a presence in many regions and focus on delivering high-quality care. Their therapists engage patients in activities that promote healing and well-being.
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Collage Rehabilitation Partners
Average Salary: $85,882
Collage Rehabilitation Partners provides excellent opportunities for Recreational Therapists. They operate in several states and emphasize a supportive work environment. Their programs are designed to enhance patients' quality of life through engaging activities.
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Mohawk Valley Health System
Average Salary: $69,318
Mohawk Valley Health System offers rewarding positions for Recreational Therapists. They focus on providing quality care and have locations in various cities. Their team values creativity and dedication in helping patients improve their quality of life.
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Fairfax Behavioral Health
Average Salary: $68,060
Fairfax Behavioral Health provides excellent opportunities for Recreational Therapists. They have locations in multiple cities and emphasize a supportive work environment. Their programs are designed to enhance patients' well-being through engaging activities.
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North Spring Behavioral Healthcare
Average Salary: $66,171
North Spring Behavioral Healthcare offers rewarding positions for Recreational Therapists. They focus on providing quality care and have locations in various states. Their team values creativity and dedication in helping patients improve their quality of life.
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New York State Office of Mental Health
Average Salary: $65,987
New York State Office of Mental Health provides excellent opportunities for Recreational Therapists. They have locations in multiple cities and emphasize a supportive work environment. Their programs are designed to enhance patients' well-being through engaging activities.
How to earn more as a Recreational Therapist?
A Recreational Therapist can increase their earning potential by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized certifications can open up higher-paying job opportunities. For example, becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) can lead to roles that require advanced skills and knowledge. Continuing education also plays a crucial role. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences helps therapists stay updated on the latest techniques and trends. Networking with other professionals can lead to job referrals and opportunities in higher-paying facilities.
Experience in various settings can also boost earnings. Working in different environments, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices, provides a broader skill set. This versatility makes a therapist more valuable to potential employers. Seeking out leadership roles, such as program director or team leader, can also increase income. These positions often come with higher salaries and additional benefits. Lastly, negotiating salary and benefits effectively can make a significant difference. Understanding the market rates and being prepared to discuss compensation can lead to better offers.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Recreational Therapist:
- Obtain specialized certifications.
- Pursue continuing education opportunities.
- Gain experience in various settings.
- Seek leadership roles.
- Negotiate salary and benefits effectively.