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Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Recreational Therapists in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area earn an impressive average annual salary of $96,290. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,230, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher reimbursement rates or a more specialized patient population driving this compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $96,290 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $217,380.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Recreational Therapists in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.78, supports a dedicated workforce of 250 professionals. The presence of this workforce suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these specialized services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$96,290

The average Recreational Therapists in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns+59.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.3

Weekly

$1,852

Monthly

$8,024

Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Career progression for Recreational Therapists in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior therapists with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$34,890$16.8
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$72,218$34.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$61,270$29.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$120,363$57.9
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$217,380$104.5

Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$96,290

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$96,290

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $96,290 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Recreational Therapist's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for professionals.

Job Market Context

250

Total Jobs

0.076

Per 1K Jobs

0.78

Location Quotient

Below Average

Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.78x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area has a slightly lower concentration of Recreational Therapists compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is established, it may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals entering the field or seeking to relocate.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?

The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $96,290. This typically ranges from $34,890 for entry-level positions to $217,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 59.9% higher than the national median of $60,230.

Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists.The average salary of $96,290 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, professionals can enjoy strong purchasing power.

Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for a Recreational Therapist in Houston?

The average annual salary for a Recreational Therapist in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area is $96,290.

How does the Houston salary compare to the national average?

The Houston average salary of $96,290 is considerably higher than the national average of $60,230 for Recreational Therapists.

What is the cost of living in Houston compared to the national average?

The cost of living in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.

Is the job market for Recreational Therapists concentrated in Houston?

No, the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.78, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.076 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.