Recreational Therapist salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Recreational Therapist in United States is approximately 44,308 USD (44,282 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 Recreational Therapist do?

A recreational therapist is a healthcare professional who uses recreational activities and interventions to improve 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. Recreational therapists assess patients' needs, develop treatment plans, and implement therapeutic activities tailored to each individual's abilities and interests. These activities may include games, sports, arts and crafts, music, dance, and outdoor adventures. The therapist also monitors progress, adjusts treatment plans as needed, and provides emotional support to patients and their families. The goal of a recreational therapist is to enhance the quality of life for individuals by promoting independence, self-esteem, social interaction, and overall wellness.

Skills: Recreational therapist, Healthcare professional, Rehabilitation, Therapeutic activities, Emotional support, Quality of life.
Job industry: Healthcare

How much does Recreational Therapist make?

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


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Recreational Therapist a well paid job?

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

What is considered a high salary for Recreational Therapist?

High salary for Recreational Therapist would be somewhere between 48,739 USD and 64,247 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Recreational Therapist in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 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: 44,308 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,692 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 852 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 21 USD per hour
By working as Recreational Therapist a person can save up to 1,410 USD per month or 16,922 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 United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Recreational Therapist

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.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

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