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How much does a Recreational Therapist make?

The average salary for a Recreational Therapist is $77,947 per year in the US.

A recreational therapist helps people improve their health and well-being. These therapists use activities like games, sports, and art to help patients. They work with people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Recreational therapists can find work in many places, such as hospitals, schools, and community centers.

The salary for a recreational therapist can vary. The average yearly salary is about $77,947. Some therapists make less, while others make more. The pay often depends on things like experience, location, and the type of employer. For instance, those working in big cities might earn more than those in smaller towns. Those with more experience usually earn higher salaries. The lowest-paid therapists earn around $35,400 per year, while the highest-paid can make over $145,600.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?

Job seekers looking for the highest paying cities for Recreational Therapist roles will find these cities appealing. Stockton, California, leads with an average salary of $126,981. Miami, Florida, closely follows with a salary of $123,226, while Bakersfield, California, offers $121,168. Further down the list, Memphis, Tennessee, provides $116,699, Houston, Texas, offers $112,352, and Los Angeles, California, pays $111,050. These cities present competitive opportunities for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Stockton, CA with the highest at $126,981 and San Antonio, TX with the lowest at $104,199.
  1. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $126,981
    In Stockton, a Recreational Therapist can find fulfilling work in facilities such as Kaiser Permanente. The city offers a mix of urban and rural settings, allowing for diverse therapeutic activities. Stockton provides a supportive environment for professionals aiming to enhance patients' well-being.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA


  2. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $123,226
    Miami offers a vibrant landscape for recreational therapists. With top employers like Baptist Health, professionals have access to cutting-edge facilities and diverse populations. The city’s energetic atmosphere makes it ideal for interactive and engaging therapy sessions.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Miami, FL


  3. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $121,168
    Bakersfield presents opportunities for Recreational Therapists to work in institutions like Adventist Health. The city's growing population offers a steady demand for therapeutic services. Bakersfield provides a welcoming environment with a strong community focus on health and wellness.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  4. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $116,699
    Memphis boasts a rich cultural scene that benefits recreational therapy. Employers such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital provide meaningful work. The city’s diverse community and historical landmarks create a unique backdrop for therapy activities.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Memphis, TN


  5. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $112,352
    Houston offers a bustling environment for recreational therapy. Companies like Houston Methodist offer diverse opportunities. The city’s large population and varied recreational options create a dynamic setting for professionals to thrive.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Houston, TX


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $111,050
    Los Angeles provides numerous avenues for recreational therapists to make an impact. Employers like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center offer extensive resources. The city’s diverse culture and numerous outdoor activities enrich therapeutic experiences.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $110,392
    Fresno’s healthcare sector offers rewarding opportunities for recreational therapists. Organizations such as Community Regional Medical Center provide varied roles. The city’s strong community ties and agricultural backdrop offer unique therapy settings.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Fresno, CA


  8. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $109,233
    Virginia Beach offers a coastal charm that enhances recreational therapy. Employers like Sentara Healthcare provide excellent facilities. The city’s beautiful beaches and recreational areas create an ideal environment for therapeutic activities.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $106,110
    Dallas provides a dynamic environment for recreational therapists. Companies such as UT Southwestern offer advanced opportunities. The city’s vibrant culture and numerous parks make it perfect for engaging therapy sessions.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Dallas, TX


  10. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $104,199
    San Antonio offers a unique blend of culture and community for recreational therapists. Institutions like University Health System provide robust support. The city’s rich history and outdoor spaces create diverse therapy opportunities.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Antonio, TX

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

Legacy Personnel Inc offers one of the highest salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, averaging $134,188 a year. Alliant Personnel Resources also provides a strong salary, with an average of $124,000 annually. Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. pays well, with Recreational Therapists earning an average of $121,530 per year.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Legacy Personnel Inc with the highest at $134,188 and University of Maryland Medical System with the lowest at $68,995.
  1. Legacy Personnel Inc
    Average Salary: $134,188
    Legacy Personnel Inc offers Recreational Therapist jobs with a competitive salary. They focus on connecting skilled professionals with top healthcare facilities. Locations include major cities across the United States.


  2. Alliant Personnel Resources
    Average Salary: $124,000
    Alliant Personnel Resources provides a solid salary for Recreational Therapists. They have a strong reputation for placing professionals in various healthcare settings. Their offices are located in key states across the country.


  3. Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Average Salary: $121,530
    Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. pays generously to Recreational Therapists. They emphasize well-being and support their staff. Their locations span multiple states, offering diverse opportunities.


  4. California Correctional Health Care Services
    Average Salary: $115,179
    California Correctional Health Care Services offers a competitive salary for Recreational Therapists. They focus on rehabilitation in correctional facilities. They operate in several locations throughout California.


  5. Complete Therapies, L.L.C.
    Average Salary: $91,250
    Complete Therapies, L.L.C. provides good compensation for Recreational Therapists. They are committed to patient care in various settings. Their services are available in several states.


  6. Collage Rehabilitation Partners
    Average Salary: $90,172
    Collage Rehabilitation Partners offers fair salaries for Recreational Therapists. They aim to deliver quality care in rehabilitation centers. Their facilities are located in key regions across the United States.


  7. Rehab Without Walls
    Average Salary: $85,428
    Rehab Without Walls provides a solid salary for Recreational Therapists. They focus on innovative rehabilitation methods. They serve multiple locations, ensuring diverse career options.


  8. Crestwood Behavioral Health
    Average Salary: $83,470
    Crestwood Behavioral Health offers competitive pay for Recreational Therapists. They provide care in behavioral health facilities. Their locations are spread across several states.


  9. North Spring Behavioral Healthcare
    Average Salary: $70,000
    North Spring Behavioral Healthcare offers decent salaries for Recreational Therapists. They focus on mental health and wellness. Their facilities are located in multiple states.


  10. University of Maryland Medical System
    Average Salary: $68,995
    University of Maryland Medical System provides fair salaries for Recreational Therapists. They emphasize comprehensive care. Their locations include several hospitals and clinics.

How to earn more as a Recreational Therapist?

A Recreational Therapist aims to help people with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities through activities that improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Earning more in this rewarding career involves several key strategies. One important step is to gain more experience and certifications. Employers often pay higher salaries to those who have more knowledge and skills.

Another key factor is to specialize in a high-demand area. Recreational Therapists who focus on areas like mental health, geriatric care, or pediatric therapy may find more job opportunities and higher pay. Expanding skills to include new therapeutic activities or techniques can also lead to higher earnings. Networking within the industry and seeking out employers who value experience can open doors to better-paying positions. Continuing education and staying updated on the latest trends can make a Recreational Therapist more attractive to potential employers, leading to better job offers.

Consider the following factors to earn more as a Recreational Therapist:

  1. Gain more experience and certifications.
  2. Specialize in high-demand areas like mental health or geriatric care.
  3. Expand skills to include new therapeutic activities or techniques.
  4. Network within the industry to find better job opportunities.
  5. Continue education to stay updated on the latest trends.

Currently 349 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
349 Job Openings