Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Recreational Therapists in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $39,710. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of $60,230, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized roles outside of major urban centers. Factors such as the cost of living and the concentration of healthcare facilities often influence regional salary disparities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,430.
- Outlook: The job market for Recreational Therapists in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas, while modest in size with a total workforce of 290, shows a remarkably high concentration. The Location Quotient of 7.8 indicates that this profession is over 7 times more prevalent in this region compared to the national average. This suggests a robust demand relative to the local workforce, even if the absolute number of positions is not vast.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-34.1%below the national average.
$19.1
$764
$3,309
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased awareness of therapeutic benefits, and inflation typically drive salary increases for healthcare professionals, including Recreational Therapists.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Recreational Therapists typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, generally signify the earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,770 | $14.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,783 | $14.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,520 | $17.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $49,638 | $23.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $49,430 | $23.8 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,710 in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is not a significant detractor from the take-home pay.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
0.762
Per 1K Jobs
7.8
Location Quotient
Kansas nonmetropolitan area has 7.8x 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 7.8 for Recreational Therapists in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas is exceptionally high, indicating a strong concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only stable but potentially underserved by national standards, making it a favorable environment for those seeking employment in this field within this specific geographic context.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS Recreational Therapists Salary | $46,850↑ 18% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Recreational Therapists Salary | $40,270↑ 1% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $39,710. This typically ranges from $30,770 for entry-level positions to $49,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 34.1% lower than the national median of $60,230.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
No, but it offers strong relative demand.While the average salary of $39,710 is considerably below the national average, the exceptionally high Location Quotient of 7.8 signifies a disproportionately large presence of Recreational Therapists, indicating strong local demand relative to the workforce.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Topeka, KS ($46,850) and Wichita, KS.
How does the Kansas nonmetropolitan salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Recreational Therapists in Kansas nonmetropolitan areas is $39,710, which is substantially lower than the national average of $60,230.
What does the Location Quotient of 7.8 mean for Recreational Therapists in this area?
A Location Quotient of 7.8 indicates that Recreational Therapists are over 7 times more concentrated in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average, suggesting high local demand relative to the available workforce.
Is the cost of living a factor for Recreational Therapists in this region?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is lower, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average.
What is the total number of Recreational Therapists in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas?
There are approximately 290 Recreational Therapists employed in the nonmetropolitan areas of Kansas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.762 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 nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Kansas nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Recreational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kansas nonmetropolitan area