Average Recreational Therapists Salary in North Carolina
Recreational Therapists in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $53,680. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,230, suggesting that regional economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within the state. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of healthcare facilities influence the pay scale for these vital professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,230.
- Outlook: The job market for Recreational Therapists in North Carolina appears stable, with a total local workforce of 480 individuals. A Location Quotient of 1.0 indicates that the concentration of these professionals in North Carolina is on par with the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in North Carolina earns-10.9%below the national average.
$25.8
$1,032
$4,473
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Recreational Therapists, like many healthcare roles, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing demand for therapeutic services, advancements in patient care, and the rising cost of living, which necessitates adjustments in compensation to attract and retain qualified professionals.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Recreational Therapists in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $39,770 | $19.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $40,260 | $19.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $48,590 | $23.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $67,100 | $32.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $78,230 | $37.6 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,565
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $53,680 in North Carolina aligns with a Cost of Living Index of 94.9, which is slightly below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary, while lower than the national average, may offer a comparable or even slightly better purchasing power for residents within the state, as everyday expenses are generally more affordable.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
0.098
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, North Carolina has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Recreational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.0, the market for Recreational Therapists in North Carolina is neither exceptionally concentrated nor scarce compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively aligned, indicating a stable environment for employment without extreme competition or widespread shortages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Winston-Salem, NC Recreational Therapists Salary | $56,920↑ 6% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Recreational Therapists Salary | $58,440↑ 9% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in North Carolina is $53,680. This typically ranges from $39,770 for entry-level positions to $78,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 10.9% lower than the national median of $60,230.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Recreational Therapists in North Carolina earn approximately $6,550 less annually than the national average. However, the cost of living is also slightly lower, which can partially offset this difference in earning potential.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Winston-Salem, NC ($56,920) and Durham-Chapel Hill, NC.
What is the average salary for a Recreational Therapist in North Carolina?
The average annual salary for a Recreational Therapist in North Carolina is $53,680.
How does North Carolina's cost of living compare to the national average?
North Carolina's cost of living index is 94.9, which is slightly below the national average of 100, indicating that expenses are generally more affordable in the state.
Is the job market for Recreational Therapists strong in North Carolina?
The job market is stable, with a concentration of professionals (Location Quotient) on par with the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
How does experience affect a Recreational Therapist's salary in North Carolina?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 0.098 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 North Carolina
- All Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Production Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Management Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in North Carolina
- Browse All Jobs in North Carolina →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Recreational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in North Carolina