How much does a recreation therapist make?
Answer: A typical recreation therapist in the United States makes $61,960 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 15,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Recreation therapist pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,990 | $61,960 | $100,420 | about 15,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $98,170 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $65,520 | about 1,000 |
| Michigan | $61,700 | about 590 |
| Virginia | $61,270 | about 570 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,940 | about 720 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, recreational therapists with more experience or sought-after certification may earn more. Pay can also differ by employer and setting, location, and how complex or responsible the work is.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a recreation therapist do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity. Excludes “Recreation Workers” (39-9032).
What's a typical day like?
They assess patients and plan activities such as art, music, sports, or dance to match each person's goals. They lead sessions, watch responses, record progress, and adjust plans with the care team.
How to get this job
Earn a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field; programs usually include an internship. Many employers prefer CTRS certification, which requires approved education, supervised experience, and an exam; a few states also require a license.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out.
Did you know?
A U.S. recreation therapist may take patients to a park for therapy—and teach adaptive sports to people with physical disabilities.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/recreational-therapists.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/search/task/compare/29-1126.00?d=406
- nctrc.org/how-to-become-a-ctrs/path-to-professional-certification
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY