Position
Salary

How much does a Recreational Therapist make?

The average salary for a Recreational Therapist is $72,970 per year in the US.

A Recreational Therapist helps people use activities to improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This job can be both rewarding and well-paid. On average, Recreational Therapists earn about $72,970 per year. This average changes based on experience and location.

Some therapists earn more, while others earn less. The pay can go up based on how much experience you have. About 21.5% of therapists earn between $45,069 and $55,122 each year. Those who have been in the field longer often earn more. Location also plays a big role. Some states offer higher pay than others. Checking local job postings can give a better idea of what you might earn where you live.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?

If you are a recreational therapist, certain cities offer better pay. Bakersfield, CA, tops the list with an average salary of $128,903. Stockton, CA, and Miami, FL, follow closely, offering competitive salaries for your skills. Consider these locations for a higher earning potential in your field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Bakersfield, CA with the highest at $128,903 and Dallas, TX with the lowest at $103,684.
  1. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $128,903
    Bakersfield offers many chances for those in the therapy field. You can find roles in local healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers. These places focus on patient well-being.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  2. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $128,197
    In Stockton, you can join a community that values health and wellness. Work in local hospitals or therapy centers to help people improve their lives. The city supports those dedicated to care.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA


  3. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $116,579
    Miami provides a vibrant setting for therapy professionals. The city’s diverse population offers unique challenges and opportunities. Many local organizations value skilled therapists.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Miami, FL


  4. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $112,503
    Virginia Beach is a great place for therapists to grow. The city has several healthcare facilities. They offer chances to make a difference in many lives.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $112,395
    Los Angeles is full of options for therapy professionals. The city’s large population means there is always a need for skilled therapists. Many large healthcare networks are based here.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $107,392
    Fresno offers many opportunities for those in the field of therapy. Local clinics and hospitals need professionals who can help people heal. The community here values your work.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Fresno, CA


  7. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $106,365
    San Antonio has a growing need for skilled therapists. The city’s healthcare sector is expanding. Many local organizations value those who can help improve patients' lives.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Antonio, TX


  8. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $106,322
    Austin is known for its vibrant culture and growing healthcare needs. Therapy professionals can find roles in many local clinics and wellness centers. The city supports those who choose a career in care.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Austin, TX


  9. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $104,466
    Houston offers numerous opportunities in the healthcare field. Many large medical centers and clinics seek skilled professionals. The city’s diverse population provides varied therapy challenges.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Houston, TX


  10. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $103,684
    Dallas has a strong demand for therapy professionals. The city’s large healthcare system offers many job openings. Working in Dallas means you can help many people improve their lives.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Dallas, TX

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

Recreational therapists have opportunities to earn high salaries at several companies. BestNest Management tops the list with an average salary of $141,541. Legacy Personnel, Inc. and Staff Today follow closely with averages of $133,836 and $119,111, respectively. Other notable companies include AvaMed Workforce and Community Health and Wellness Center, which offer competitive salaries for recreational therapists. Willow Springs Center, Collage Rehabilitation Partners, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also provide solid compensation packages for those in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting BestNest Management with the highest at $141,541 and Sage Eldercare Solutions with the lowest at $80,313.
  1. BestNest Management
    Average Salary: $141,541
    BestNest Management offers high-paying Recreational Therapist jobs. They focus on improving patients' lives through recreational activities. This company operates in various locations nationwide, including New York, Florida, and California.


  2. Legacy Personnel, Inc.
    Average Salary: $133,836
    Legacy Personnel, Inc. is known for its competitive salaries for Recreational Therapists. They work to provide comprehensive care by incorporating recreational activities. The company operates in states such as Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.


  3. Staff Today
    Average Salary: $119,111
    Staff Today offers rewarding Recreational Therapist positions. They emphasize the importance of recreational therapy in enhancing patients' well-being. This company operates in locations including Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia.


  4. AvaMed Workforce
    Average Salary: $112,308
    AvaMed Workforce provides opportunities for Recreational Therapists with good pay. They focus on integrating recreational activities to improve patient care. Their locations include Ohio, Michigan, and North Carolina.


  5. Community Health and Wellness Center
    Average Salary: $104,605
    Community Health and Wellness Center offers competitive salaries for Recreational Therapists. They work to enhance patients' quality of life through various recreational activities. This company operates in areas such as Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.


  6. Willow Springs Center
    Average Salary: $101,071
    Willow Springs Center provides good pay for Recreational Therapists. They aim to improve patients' lives by incorporating recreational therapy. This center operates in locations including Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.


  7. Collage Rehabilitation Partners
    Average Salary: $90,000
    Collage Rehabilitation Partners offers decent pay for Recreational Therapists. They focus on utilizing recreational activities to aid in patients' recovery. This company operates in states such as Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.


  8. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $88,403
    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides solid pay for Recreational Therapists. They work to improve the quality of life for veterans through recreational activities. This department operates across the United States.


  9. Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc.
    Average Salary: $86,026
    Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc. offers fair compensation for Recreational Therapists. They focus on providing recreational therapy to enhance patients' well-being. This company operates in areas such as Illinois, Missouri, and Texas.


  10. Sage Eldercare Solutions
    Average Salary: $80,313
    Sage Eldercare Solutions provides a reasonable salary for Recreational Therapists. They aim to improve the lives of elderly patients through recreational activities. This company operates in states including California, New York, and Florida.

How to earn more as a Recreational Therapist?

Becoming a recreational therapist opens many doors to help people improve their lives. With dedication and the right steps, one can earn more in this fulfilling career. Focus on these key areas to boost income and job satisfaction.

First, gaining specialized certifications can set a therapist apart. Certifications in areas like aquatic therapy, art therapy, or animal-assisted therapy can make a therapist more valuable. These skills allow therapists to offer unique services and command higher fees. Second, gaining experience and building a strong portfolio will impress potential employers. Working in varied settings, such as hospitals, schools, and private practices, provides a well-rounded experience. Third, continuing education keeps skills sharp and knowledge up to date. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences helps therapists stay ahead in the field. Fourth, networking with other professionals expands opportunities. Joining professional organizations and attending industry events can lead to new job offers and collaborations. Lastly, taking on leadership roles or supervisory positions can increase earning potential. These roles often come with higher salaries and more responsibilities.

An effective strategy for earning more involves a combination of specialized training, varied experience, ongoing education, active networking, and career advancement. Following these steps can lead to a rewarding and lucrative career in recreational therapy.

  1. Gain specialized certifications.
  2. Build a strong portfolio with varied experience.
  3. Attend continuing education opportunities.
  4. Network with other professionals.
  5. Take on leadership or supervisory roles.

Currently 292 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
292 Job Openings