How much does a Recreational Therapist make?
Recreational Therapists help people improve their health using fun activities. They work with patients who have physical, mental, or emotional issues. This job offers a mix of rewards and good pay. The average yearly salary for a Recreational Therapist is $74,103. Most earn between $45,162 and $95,381 each year.
Some Recreational Therapists make more or less than the average. The lowest 10% earn around $35,118, while the highest 10% earn about $145,600. These numbers show a range of opportunities depending on experience, location, and the type of facility where they work. For many, this job offers a chance to make a real difference in people's lives, along with a stable income.
What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?
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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $129,593
In Stockton, professionals work in many healthcare facilities. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and St. Joseph's Medical Center offer great programs. They provide therapy to patients with various needs.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $128,903
Bakersfield has a growing demand for therapy services. Local hospitals like Kern Medical Center provide opportunities. The city offers a welcoming community for those in the field.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $119,925
Miami offers a vibrant environment for therapists. Hospitals like Jackson Health System provide diverse experiences. The city's diverse culture enriches the work and personal life.
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Memphis, TN
Average Salary: $116,699
In Memphis, therapists find a mix of urban and small-town benefits. Institutions such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are prominent employers. The rich music scene adds to the lively atmosphere.
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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $115,709
Virginia Beach provides a coastal lifestyle with opportunities at places like Sentara Healthcare. The beach setting offers a relaxing backdrop for both work and leisure.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $111,210
Los Angeles offers numerous options for therapy careers. Employers like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are top choices. The city’s entertainment industry provides unique recreational activities.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $106,425
Fresno has a growing need for therapy services. Local employers such as Community Regional Medical Center offer good opportunities. The city's agricultural roots provide a unique cultural experience.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $106,322
Austin is known for its vibrant music and tech scene. Employers like Seton Healthcare Family offer great programs. The lively atmosphere makes it an exciting place to work.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $105,499
San Antonio provides a mix of cultural and professional opportunities. Institutions like University Hospital offer excellent programs. The city's rich history and festivals add to its appeal.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $104,624
Houston offers diverse therapy jobs. Employers such as Memorial Hermann Health System provide excellent career growth. The city's cultural diversity and space programs make it an exciting place to live and work.
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What are the best companies a Recreational Therapist can work for?
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BestNest Management
Average Salary: $141,348
BestNest Management offers top-tier salaries for Recreational Therapists. They operate in many locations, providing various recreational programs in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This company values its staff and offers excellent benefits.
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Sonus Software Solutions
Average Salary: $134,182
Sonus Software Solutions is known for its high pay for Recreational Therapists. This company focuses on mental health and wellness. It operates nationwide, offering diverse opportunities for therapists to enhance patient care with recreational activities.
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Legacy Personnel, Inc.
Average Salary: $134,049
Legacy Personnel, Inc. provides competitive salaries for Recreational Therapists. They have multiple locations across the country. This company focuses on helping patients regain skills through fun activities.
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Alliant Personnel Resources LLC
Average Salary: $124,000
Alliant Personnel Resources LLC offers attractive salaries for Recreational Therapists. This company operates in several states, providing recreational therapy in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They aim to improve patients' quality of life through engaging activities.
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Staff Today
Average Salary: $118,800
Staff Today provides good pay for Recreational Therapists. They work in many locations, offering varied opportunities in healthcare settings. This company believes in the power of recreational therapy to aid in recovery.
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AvaMed Workforce
Average Salary: $112,308
AvaMed Workforce offers solid salaries for Recreational Therapists. They have locations in various cities, providing services in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. This company supports therapists in delivering meaningful recreational activities.
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Community Health and Wellness Center
Average Salary: $104,861
Community Health and Wellness Center provides competitive pay for Recreational Therapists. They operate in several communities, focusing on wellness and therapy. This center offers a supportive environment for therapists to work.
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Willow Springs Center
Average Salary: $101,071
Willow Springs Center offers decent salaries for Recreational Therapists. They provide services in their local community, focusing on enhancing patients' lives through recreation. This center values the role of recreational therapy in recovery.
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Collage Rehabilitation Partners
Average Salary: $90,000
Collage Rehabilitation Partners offers moderate pay for Recreational Therapists. They operate in various locations, offering therapy services in rehabilitation centers. This company believes in the importance of recreational therapy for patient recovery.
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Average Salary: $88,231
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides salaries for Recreational Therapists. They operate in many facilities across the country, focusing on the care of veterans. This department values the role of recreational therapy in veterans' recovery.
How to earn more as a Recreational Therapist?
To increase earnings as a Recreational Therapist, consider these key strategies. Pursue advanced certifications and specialize in high-demand areas like geriatric care or mental health. This specialization can command higher pay rates. Gaining experience in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices can also open up more lucrative job opportunities. Networking with professionals in the field can lead to higher-paying positions.
Additionally, advancing your education by obtaining a master's degree or higher can significantly increase earning potential. Taking on leadership roles within a facility, such as program manager or supervisor, often results in higher salaries. Lastly, staying current with trends and advancements in therapeutic practices ensures competitiveness in the job market, potentially leading to better-paying jobs.
Consider these factors to boost earning as a Recreational Therapist:
- Obtain advanced certifications and specialize in high-demand areas.
- Gain experience in various settings to find higher-paying jobs.
- Network with other professionals to discover new opportunities.
- Advance your education with higher degrees.
- Take on leadership roles for higher salaries.
