Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Recreational Therapists in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $87,610. This figure substantially surpasses the national average of $60,230, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within this major metropolitan region that drive compensation upward.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,930.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 Recreational Therapists, the market in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, presents a moderate concentration of professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests that while the profession is present, it is not as densely populated as the national average, hinting at a stable but not oversaturated job market with consistent opportunities for skilled therapists.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+45.5%above the national average.
$42.1
$1,685
$7,301
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Recreational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demands, an aging population, and a growing emphasis on holistic patient care likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation in this dynamic field.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Career progression for Recreational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior therapists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on expertise and proven track records in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $60,060 | $28.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $65,708 | $31.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $88,300 | $42.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $109,513 | $52.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $104,930 | $50.4 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $87,610 for Recreational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals in the area.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
0.06
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.62x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Recreational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, indicates a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive in terms of sheer numbers of therapists, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment, though it also implies the demand might not be exceptionally high relative to other professions in the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Recreational Therapists Salary | $85,790↓ 2% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $87,610. This typically ranges from $60,060 for entry-level positions to $104,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 45.5% higher than the national median of $60,230.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists.Recreational Therapists in this area earn significantly more than the national average, with their high nominal salary being offset by a cost of living that matches the national average.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($85,790) and others.
How does the Los Angeles Recreational Therapist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Recreational Therapists in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $87,610, which is substantially higher than the national average of $60,230.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA for a Recreational Therapist?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the higher salary offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average.
Is the job market for Recreational Therapists strong in Los Angeles?
The market shows a moderate concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.62, suggesting a stable job market that is not overly saturated, offering consistent opportunities.
How many Recreational Therapists are there in Los Angeles?
There are approximately 370 Recreational Therapists employed in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.06 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 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA