Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $49,110. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,230, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic conditions and employer needs in the Kansas City metropolitan area likely influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,790.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS area supports a concentrated workforce of 220 Recreational Therapists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.03. This suggests a demand for these professionals that is more than double the national average concentration. While the total workforce size is moderate, the high LQ points to a robust local job market for Recreational Therapists, implying consistent opportunities and potential for career growth within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-18.5%below the national average.
$23.6
$944
$4,093
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kansas City is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Recreational Therapists in the area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, increased demand for therapeutic services, and inflation typically drive salary increases in most professional fields, and Recreational Therapy is unlikely to be an exception.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
The salary progression for Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at 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, with experienced professionals occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,370 | $17.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $36,833 | $17.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $46,750 | $22.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $61,388 | $29.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $66,790 | $32.1 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $49,110 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS holds its purchasing power relative to the rest of the country. While the salary is lower than the national average, the stable cost of living means that the $49,110 earned locally offers a comparable lifestyle to what a higher salary might provide in a more expensive region.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.199
Per 1K Jobs
2.03
Location Quotient
Kansas City, MO-KS has 2.0x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.03 for Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS signifies a substantial concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for their services within the local job market. While the total workforce is 220, the high LQ suggests that Kansas City is a key hub for this profession relative to its size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Recreational Therapists Salary | $46,850↓ 5% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS is $49,110. This typically ranges from $36,370 for entry-level positions to $66,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 18.5% lower than the national median of $60,230.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
No, not compared to the national average.Recreational Therapists in Kansas City earn $49,110 annually, which is below the national average of $60,230. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($46,850) and others.
How does the Kansas City salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS is $49,110, which is significantly lower than the national average of $60,230.
What is the concentration of Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Kansas City, MO-KS has a Location Quotient of 2.03 for Recreational Therapists, meaning the concentration of these professionals is more than double the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100, which is the national average. This means the $49,110 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a region with average living costs.
Is there high demand for Recreational Therapists in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The Location Quotient of 2.03 suggests a strong local concentration and potentially high demand for Recreational Therapists, as the area employs more than twice the national average proportion of these workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 0.199 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 Kansas City, MO-KS