Position
Salary

How much does a Recreational Therapist make?

The average salary for a Recreational Therapist is $80,432 per year in the US.

A Recreational Therapist uses activities and programs to help people improve their health. They work in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and private practices. The pay for this job varies. Many Recreational Therapists earn between $37,000 and $142,000 a year. The average yearly salary is about $80,432.

The amount Recreational Therapists earn can depend on where they work and how much experience they have. Some people in this field may start at the lower end of the salary range. As they gain more experience, their salary can go up. Recreational Therapists who work in big cities or at specialized facilities may earn more than those in smaller towns.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?

Stockton, California, stands out as the top city for recreational therapists seeking higher pay. With an average salary of $127,570, it offers the best financial rewards in the field. Miami, Florida, follows closely with an average salary of $116,472, making it another attractive location for those aiming to maximize their earnings. Houston, Texas, and Bakersfield, California, also present excellent opportunities with average salaries of $114,980 and $114,348 respectively. These cities provide not only competitive compensation but also diverse opportunities for professional growth in recreational therapy.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Stockton, CA with the highest at $127,570 and Memphis, TN with the lowest at $106,804.
  1. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $127,570
    In Stockton, professionals in this field have the chance to work with a diverse population. Many local health facilities value the role of Recreational Therapists. Companies like Adventist Health are known for their supportive work environments.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA


  2. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $116,472
    Miami offers a vibrant environment for those in this line of work. The city's diverse community provides many opportunities to engage with different groups. Local healthcare providers, including Jackson Health System, often seek dedicated professionals.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Miami, FL


  3. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $114,980
    Houston is a fast-growing city with many opportunities for growth in this profession. The healthcare sector here is expanding, offering numerous positions. Memorial Hermann Health System is one of the many employers looking for skilled professionals.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Houston, TX


  4. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $114,348
    Bakersfield provides a quieter setting for professionals to make a difference. The city's healthcare institutions are in need of compassionate workers. Kern Medical Center is one of the places where one can thrive in this role.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $110,705
    Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for those in this field. The large and varied population provides many chances to help others. Employers such as Kaiser Permanente value the skills of experienced professionals.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Oklahoma City, OK
    Average Salary: $109,373
    Oklahoma City has a welcoming atmosphere for those entering this profession. The local healthcare system is robust and seeks dedicated workers. St. Anthony Hospital is one of the many facilities hiring in this area.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Oklahoma City, OK


  7. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $109,263
    Dallas offers many opportunities for those in this field. The city's large population provides numerous chances to make a positive impact. Baylor Scott & White Health is one of the top employers looking for skilled workers.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Dallas, TX


  8. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $109,233
    Virginia Beach provides a supportive environment for professionals to thrive. The local healthcare sector is strong and seeks compassionate workers. Sentara Healthcare is one of the many places hiring for this role.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  9. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $109,052
    Charlotte offers a balanced setting for those in this line of work. The city's healthcare institutions value the role of Recreational Therapists. Novant Health is one of the many employers offering rewarding positions.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Charlotte, NC


  10. Memphis, TN
    Average Salary: $106,804
    Memphis provides a vibrant environment for those in this field. The city’s diverse community offers many opportunities to help others. Local facilities like Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare are looking for dedicated professionals.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Memphis, TN

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

Recreational therapists can find attractive salaries at top companies. Alliant Personnel Resources leads with an average salary of $124,000. Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Complete Therapies, L.L.C. also offer competitive packages, around $121,352 and $92,273, respectively. These companies value skilled therapists and provide rewarding career paths. Rehab Without Walls and Collage Rehabilitation Partners also offer solid opportunities. Such positions often include benefits and room for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Alliant Personnel Resources with the highest at $124,000 and State of New York with the lowest at $63,677.
  1. Alliant Personnel Resources
    Average Salary: $124,000
    Alliant Personnel Resources offers rewarding opportunities for Recreational Therapists across various states. They focus on creating fulfilling roles, providing diverse experiences for patients. Locations include Illinois, Texas, and California.


  2. Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Average Salary: $121,352
    Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. values Recreational Therapists, offering competitive pay and opportunities in patient care. They operate in several states, including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Florida, with a commitment to patient well-being.


  3. Complete Therapies, L.L.C.
    Average Salary: $92,273
    Complete Therapies, L.L.C. provides a dynamic environment for Recreational Therapists, focusing on therapeutic activities that improve patient lives. They serve areas in Tennessee and Texas, offering engaging and impactful work.


  4. Collage Rehabilitation Partners
    Average Salary: $90,159
    Collage Rehabilitation Partners offers roles for Recreational Therapists in a supportive setting. They emphasize the importance of therapeutic recreation across their facilities in multiple states, including Ohio and Colorado.


  5. Rehab Without Walls
    Average Salary: $87,123
    Rehab Without Walls provides a unique setting for Recreational Therapists, focusing on mobility and patient engagement. They operate in various states, including Illinois and Pennsylvania, offering diverse therapeutic environments.


  6. North Spring Behavioral Healthcare
    Average Salary: $70,000
    North Spring Behavioral Healthcare values the role of Recreational Therapists in patient care. They offer roles in states like Virginia and Washington, focusing on therapeutic recreation to improve patient quality of life.


  7. University of Maryland Medical System
    Average Salary: $69,012
    The University of Maryland Medical System provides a supportive environment for Recreational Therapists, focusing on patient well-being. They serve areas in Maryland, offering a range of therapeutic activities to enhance patient lives.


  8. New York State Office of Mental Health
    Average Salary: $66,965
    New York State Office of Mental Health offers opportunities for Recreational Therapists to make a difference. They operate in New York, providing vital therapeutic activities to improve patient mental health and well-being.


  9. Liberty Healthcare Corporation
    Average Salary: $63,992
    Liberty Healthcare Corporation provides a supportive setting for Recreational Therapists, emphasizing patient engagement and well-being. They serve areas in Pennsylvania and Florida, offering roles that impact patient lives positively.


  10. State of New York
    Average Salary: $63,677
    The State of New York offers roles for Recreational Therapists focused on patient care and well-being. They operate in various locations within New York, providing vital therapeutic activities to enhance patient quality of life.

How to earn more as a Recreational Therapist?

Earning more as a recreational therapist involves several key strategies. Prioritizing continuous education can lead to new skills and certifications that boost earning potential. Specializations in areas such as pediatric therapy, geriatric care, or mental health can make a therapist more valuable to employers. Networking with other professionals can open doors to higher-paying opportunities and collaborations.

Additionally, seeking roles in higher-demand settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practices often means better compensation. Participation in professional organizations and attending industry conferences can also enhance a therapist’s credentials and marketability. Building a strong reputation through excellent patient outcomes and positive feedback can lead to raises and promotions over time.

Factors to consider for increasing earnings:

  1. Continuous education and certifications
  2. Specialization in high-demand areas
  3. Networking with other professionals
  4. Securing roles in high-demand settings
  5. Participation in professional organizations

Currently 455 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.
Position
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Recreational Therapist
455 Job Openings