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Average Recreational Therapists Salary in New York

Recreational Therapists in New York earn an average annual salary of $66,270, significantly exceeding the national average of $60,230. This higher compensation is largely driven by New York's robust economy and the specialized demand for therapeutic services within its diverse population centers. The state's commitment to healthcare and wellness initiatives further contributes to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $66,270 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,890.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,310 Recreational Therapists, New York demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates that this role is 40% more prevalent in New York than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within the state's healthcare and rehabilitation sectors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$66,270

The average Recreational Therapists in New York earns+10.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.9

Weekly

$1,274

Monthly

$5,523

Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in New York

Career progression for Recreational Therapists in New York typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior therapists with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$48,140$23.1
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$49,703$23.9
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$63,520$30.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$82,838$39.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$85,890$41.3

Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$66,270

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,974

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While the nominal salary of $66,270 appears attractive, New York's Cost of Living Index of 125.1 means that expenses are approximately 25.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that while the gross income is higher, the purchasing power of a Recreational Therapist's salary in New York may be somewhat diminished compared to states with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,310

Total Jobs

0.137

Per 1K Jobs

1.4

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.40, New York has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Recreational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.4 signifies that Recreational Therapists are more concentrated in New York than in the average U.S. state. This indicates a relatively robust market for these professionals, suggesting that employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, and the job market is likely competitive but also offers ample opportunities for those with the right qualifications.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists

CitySalaryDist.
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA Recreational Therapists Salary$58,320↓ 12%64 mi
Utica-Rome, NY Recreational Therapists Salary$57,150↓ 14%66 mi

Comparing salaries near New York

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Recreational Therapists make in New York?

The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in New York is $66,270. This typically ranges from $48,140 for entry-level positions to $85,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New York is 10.0% higher than the national median of $60,230.

Is New York a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?

Yes, New York offers a lucrative environment for Recreational Therapists.The average salary of $66,270 is substantially higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of professionals (LQ of 1.4) points to significant demand.

Is New York a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?

The Cost of Living Index in New York is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New York?

Some top paying nearby cities include Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA ($58,320) and Utica-Rome, NY.

How does the New York salary compare to the national average?

Recreational Therapists in New York earn an average of $66,270 annually, which is $6,040 more than the national average of $60,230.

What is the concentration of Recreational Therapists in New York?

New York has a Location Quotient of 1.4 for Recreational Therapists, meaning the profession is 40% more concentrated there than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect a Recreational Therapist's salary in New York?

With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, New York is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher salary may have less purchasing power than it appears.

What is the total number of Recreational Therapists in New York?

There are approximately 1,310 Recreational Therapists employed in New York, indicating a substantial professional community.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,310 employees in the New York area with a job density of 0.137 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Recreational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in New York