Therapeutic Recreation Specialist salary in New Zealand

Average Yearly Salary of Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in New Zealand is approximately 63,208 NZD (31,734 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Therapeutic Recreation Specialist do?

A therapeutic recreation specialist is a professional who utilizes recreational activities to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities or illnesses. They work in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and community centers. The main role of a therapeutic recreation specialist is to assess the needs and abilities of their clients and develop personalized treatment plans that incorporate recreational activities. These activities may include sports, arts and crafts, music, games, and outdoor adventures. By engaging in these activities, individuals can improve their physical strength and coordination, enhance their social skills, reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem, and overall improve their quality of life. This occupation requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, creativity, patience, and a genuine passion for helping others.

Skills: Therapeutic recreation, Recreation therapy, Rehabilitation, Disabilities, Wellness, Quality of life.
Job industry: Healthcare

How much does Therapeutic Recreation Specialist make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Therapeutic Recreation Specialist a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Therapeutic Recreation Specialist might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?

High salary for Therapeutic Recreation Specialist would be somewhere between 69,529 NZD and 91,652 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in New Zealand?

Living in New Zealand the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,938 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 63,208 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 5,267 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,216 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 30 NZD per hour
By working as Therapeutic Recreation Specialist a person can save up to 706 USD per month or 8,473 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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