Average Recreational Therapists Salary in District of Columbia
Yes, District of Columbia is a highly lucrative market for Recreational Therapistss. With an average annual salary of $88,810, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $88,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,190.
- Outlook: The current demand for Recreational Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader District of Columbia economy.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia earns+47.5%above the national average.
$42.7
$1,708
$7,401
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Recreational Therapists salaries in District of Columbia have shown healthy growth of 12.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
The earning potential for Recreational Therapistss in District of Columbia varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $58,940, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $114,190.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $58,940 | $28.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $66,608 | $32 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $92,010 | $44.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $111,013 | $53.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $114,190 | $54.9 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$88,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,724
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
While the average salary of $88,810 in District of Columbia is 47% higher than the national average, you should be aware of the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 148.7, your real purchasing power is actually lower, effectively feeling like $59,724.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.085
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 0.87x the national average concentration of Recreational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
60 people work as Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia.
Only 0.085 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Recreational Therapists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Recreational Therapists Salary | $59,780↓ 33% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia is $88,810. This typically ranges from $58,940 for entry-level positions to $114,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 47.5% higher than the national median of $60,230.
Is District of Columbia a good place for Recreational Therapistss?
Yes, District of Columbia is financially attractive for Recreational Therapistss. The average salary of $88,810 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($59,780) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 0.085 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Recreational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia