Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Pennsylvania
Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $56,600. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,230, indicating a localized compensation structure. Factors such as regional demand, cost of living, and the concentration of healthcare facilities within the state likely influence this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,010.
- Outlook: Pennsylvania supports a dedicated workforce of approximately 750 Recreational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.27, the state demonstrates a concentration of these professionals that is 27% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled Recreational Therapists within the state's healthcare and wellness sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania earns-6.0%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,088
$4,717
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of the benefits of recreational therapy, expanding healthcare services, and inflation adjustments.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Career progression for Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory roles can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,230 | $17.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $42,450 | $20.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $56,690 | $27.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $70,750 | $34 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,010 | $37 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,172
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $56,600 for Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely at the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power that is very comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the take-home pay is relatively balanced with the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
0.124
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Pennsylvania has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Recreational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
Pennsylvania's Location Quotient of 1.27 signifies a higher concentration of Recreational Therapists compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a notable presence of these professionals, the market may be competitive, but also indicates a strong infrastructure and demand for their services within the state's healthcare and therapeutic settings.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Recreational Therapists Salary | $43,700↓ 23% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania is $56,600. This typically ranges from $36,230 for entry-level positions to $77,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 6.0% lower than the national median of $60,230.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
Moderately. Pennsylvania offers a compensation package for Recreational Therapists that is closely aligned with the national average, especially when considering the cost of living.While the average salary of $56,600 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living index of 99 means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA ($43,700) and others.
How does the number of Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania compare nationally?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 750 Recreational Therapists, and its Location Quotient of 1.27 indicates a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Recreational Therapists in Pennsylvania?
A Location Quotient of 1.27 means that Recreational Therapists are 27% more concentrated in Pennsylvania than the national average, suggesting a strong presence and demand for the profession within the state.
Does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect the salary of a Recreational Therapist?
Yes, the cost of living index of 99 is at the national average, meaning the $56,600 salary provides purchasing power consistent with the national median, making it a balanced financial environment.
What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' mean for Recreational Therapists in PA?
The figure of 0.124 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates the prevalence of Recreational Therapist roles within the broader workforce in Pennsylvania, offering insight into job availability relative to the total labor pool.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.124 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 Pennsylvania