Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Florida
Recreational Therapists in Florida earn an average annual salary of $60,580, slightly surpassing the national average of $60,230. This marginal difference suggests that while Florida's market is competitive, localized demand and specific healthcare needs within the state may be influencing compensation levels for these vital therapeutic professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,360.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 560 Recreational Therapists, Florida presents a moderately sized professional community. The Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that the concentration of these roles in Florida is below the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated market compared to other states, which could translate to stable or growing demand for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Florida earns+0.6%above the national average.
$29.1
$1,165
$5,048
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Recreational Therapists in Florida have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing awareness of therapeutic benefits, an aging population requiring specialized care, and general economic expansion likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Florida
Career progression for Recreational Therapists in Florida typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership roles can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies a clear path for career advancement and earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $40,070 | $19.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $45,435 | $21.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $56,220 | $27 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $75,725 | $36.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $88,360 | $42.5 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,218
Adjusted for COL (102.3)
The average annual salary of $60,580 in Florida aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 102.3. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly above the national average, the cost of living is also marginally higher. Consequently, the purchasing power of a Recreational Therapist's salary in Florida is comparable to the national average, requiring careful budgeting for those considering relocation.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
0.057
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Florida has 0.59x 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.
Florida's Location Quotient of 0.59 for Recreational Therapists signifies a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive, potentially offering more opportunities for new entrants or those seeking to transition into the field. While not an area of high specialization nationally, the demand appears steady.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Recreational Therapists Salary | $63,240↑ 4% | 49 mi |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL Recreational Therapists Salary | $56,640↓ 7% | 57 mi |
Comparing salaries near Florida
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Florida?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Florida is $60,580. This typically ranges from $40,070 for entry-level positions to $88,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Florida is 0.6% higher than the national median of $60,230.
Is Florida a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
Yes, with a slight edge.Florida offers a slightly higher average salary for Recreational Therapists than the national average. However, the cost of living is also marginally above the national average, making the real purchasing power quite similar.
Is Florida a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Florida is 102.3. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Florida?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL ($63,240) and Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL.
What is the average salary for a Recreational Therapist in Florida?
The average annual salary for a Recreational Therapist in Florida is $60,580.
How does Florida's salary compare to the national average for Recreational Therapists?
Florida's average salary of $60,580 is slightly higher than the national average of $60,230.
Is the job market for Recreational Therapists strong in Florida?
With a Location Quotient below the national average, Florida has a lower concentration of Recreational Therapists, suggesting a potentially less saturated market and stable demand.
How does the cost of living in Florida affect a Recreational Therapist's salary?
Florida's cost of living is slightly above the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary offers purchasing power that is roughly equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Florida area with a job density of 0.057 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Recreational Therapists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Florida
- All Occupations Salary in Florida
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Florida
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Florida
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Florida
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Florida
- Management Occupations Salary in Florida
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Florida
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Florida
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Florida
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Florida
- Browse All Jobs in Florida →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Recreational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Florida