Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The average salary for a Recreational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $58,440. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.49x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,800.
- Outlook: The current demand for Recreational Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Durham-Chapel Hill, NC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-3.0%below the national average.
$28.1
$1,124
$4,870
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Recreational Therapists salaries in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC have shown healthy growth of 19.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The earning potential for Recreational Therapistss in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC 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 $44,100, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $85,800.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $44,100 | $21.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $43,830 | $21.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $51,240 | $24.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $73,050 | $35.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $85,800 | $41.3 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $58,440 to $58,440.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.146
Per 1K Jobs
1.49
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.49, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Recreational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
50 people work as Recreational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
Only 0.146 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Recreational Therapists Salary | $53,300↓ 9% | 18 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Recreational Therapists Salary | $42,840↓ 27% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $58,440. This typically ranges from $44,100 for entry-level positions to $85,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 3.0% lower than the national median of $60,230.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place for Recreational Therapistss?
Yes, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($58,440), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Recreational Therapistss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($53,300) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 0.146 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC