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How much does a Recreational Therapist make?

The average salary for a Recreational Therapist is $82,907 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Recreational Therapist?

Stockton, CA, offers the highest average salary for recreational therapists at $127,767. This city provides a lucrative environment for those in the field. Bakersfield, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $115,390, making it another attractive option for professionals.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Stockton, CA with the highest at $127,767 and Charlotte, NC with the lowest at $101,421.
  1. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Stockton, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Dallas, TX


  5. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Houston, TX


  6. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Jackson, MS


  8. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  9. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Denver, CO


  10. 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.
    Find Recreational Therapist jobs in Charlotte, NC

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

Recreational therapists can find top-paying opportunities with Alliant Personnel Resources, offering an average salary of $124,000. CPS HR CONSULTING and Complete Therapies, L.L.C. also provide competitive salaries, with averages around $115,495 and $94,444, respectively. These companies value the skills of recreational therapists and reward them with attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Recreational Therapist jobs, highlighting Alliant Personnel Resources with the highest at $124,000 and New York State Office of Mental Health with the lowest at $65,987.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications.
  2. Pursue continuing education opportunities.
  3. Gain experience in various settings.
  4. Seek leadership roles.
  5. Negotiate salary and benefits effectively.

Currently 408 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
408 Job Openings