Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Kansas
Recreational Therapists in Kansas earn an average annual salary of $42,440, significantly below the national average of $60,230. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the overall demand for specialized therapeutic services and the prevailing wage scales within the state's healthcare sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,590.
- Outlook: Kansas boasts a concentrated workforce of 710 Recreational Therapists, with a Location Quotient of 5.07, indicating a significantly higher presence than the national average. This robust concentration suggests a strong demand and a well-established professional community within the state, pointing towards a stable job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Kansas earns-29.5%below the national average.
$20.4
$816
$3,537
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Recreational Therapist salaries in Kansas have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased demand for therapeutic services, and inflation typically contribute to upward salary adjustments for healthcare professionals.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Kansas
Salary progression for Recreational Therapists in Kansas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior therapists with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory and the value placed on accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $31,130 | $15 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,830 | $15.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $39,690 | $19.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $53,050 | $25.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $57,590 | $27.7 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,392
Adjusted for COL (87.7)
The average annual salary of $42,440 in Kansas is considerably bolstered by a Cost of Living Index of 87.7, which is below the national average of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is relatively stronger within Kansas, making the effective financial standing more favorable than a simple salary comparison might suggest.
Job Market Context
710
Total Jobs
0.495
Per 1K Jobs
5.07
Location Quotient
Kansas has 5.1x the national concentration of Recreational Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 5.07, Recreational Therapists are highly concentrated in Kansas compared to the national landscape. This suggests a robust and specialized job market where these professionals are in high demand relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to greater job security and opportunities for career advancement within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Recreational Therapists Salary | $46,850↑ 10% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Recreational Therapists Salary | $40,270↓ 5% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Kansas?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Kansas is $42,440. This typically ranges from $31,130 for entry-level positions to $57,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas is 29.5% lower than the national median of $60,230.
Is Kansas a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.Kansas offers a lower average annual salary for Recreational Therapists compared to the national average. However, the lower cost of living can partially offset this difference in purchasing power.
Is Kansas a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 87.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($46,850) and Wichita, KS.
How does the Kansas Recreational Therapist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Recreational Therapists in Kansas is $42,440, which is substantially lower than the national average of $60,230.
What is the concentration of Recreational Therapists in Kansas?
Kansas has a high concentration of Recreational Therapists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 5.07, meaning they are over five times more prevalent than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect salary perception in Kansas?
Kansas's Cost of Living Index of 87.7 is below the national average, meaning that the $42,440 salary provides a relatively better purchasing power than it would in a higher cost-of-living area.
What does the job market look like for Recreational Therapists in Kansas?
The job market appears robust, with a significant concentration of professionals suggesting strong demand and a well-established field within the state's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Kansas area with a job density of 0.495 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 Kansas
- All Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Production Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Management Occupations Salary in Kansas
- Browse All Jobs in Kansas →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Recreational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas