Average Recreational Therapists Salary in U.S.
Recreational Therapists in U.S. earn an average annual salary of $60,230. This figure aligns precisely with the national average, indicating a stable and nationally representative compensation landscape for this vital profession. Factors such as the local demand for therapeutic services and the overall economic health of the region typically influence these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,360 Recreational Therapists, U.S. presents a significant concentration of these professionals. While a specific Location Quotient is not provided, the substantial workforce size suggests a robust demand for their services, likely driven by healthcare facilities, community centers, and rehabilitation services within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in U.S. earns-0.0%below the national average.
$29
$1,158
$5,019
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for U.S. is unavailable, it's generally observed that salaries for Recreational Therapists nationwide have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically fueled by increasing recognition of the importance of therapeutic recreation in patient recovery and well-being, alongside general economic inflation.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in U.S.
The salary progression for Recreational Therapists in U.S. mirrors national trends, with entry-level positions typically starting at a lower percentile and senior or specialized roles commanding higher compensation. Experience is a key driver, with advanced certifications and years of practice leading to significant increases in earning potential, often reflected in the higher salary percentiles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,750 | $17.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $45,173 | $21.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $54,820 | $26.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $75,288 | $36.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $81,050 | $39 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $60,230 in U.S. is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Recreational Therapist's salary in U.S. is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant advantages or disadvantages compared to other regions.
Job Market Context
9,360
Total Jobs
N/A
Per 1K Jobs
N/A
Location Quotient
The absence of a specific Location Quotient (LQ) for Recreational Therapists in U.S. makes it challenging to definitively assess market competitiveness. However, the substantial total local workforce of 9,360 suggests a well-established presence of these professionals, indicating a potentially competitive but also stable job market with consistent opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS Recreational Therapists Salary | $40,270↓ 33% | 99 mi |
Comparing salaries near U.S.
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in U.S.?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in U.S. is $60,230. This typically ranges from $36,750 for entry-level positions to $81,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in U.S. is 0.0% lower than the national median of $60,230.
Is U.S. a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
Yes, U.S. offers a salary on par with the national average.The average salary of $60,230 aligns perfectly with the national average, and the Cost of Living Index of 100 indicates that this salary provides average purchasing power.
Is U.S. a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in U.S. is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near U.S.?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wichita, KS ($40,270) and others.
What is the average salary for a Recreational Therapist in U.S.?
The average annual salary for a Recreational Therapist in U.S. is $60,230.
How does the U.S. salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in U.S. is exactly the same as the national average, indicating a representative compensation level.
What is the Cost of Living in U.S. compared to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in U.S. is 100, which is precisely the national average.
How many Recreational Therapists are there in U.S.?
There are approximately 9,360 Recreational Therapists employed in U.S.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,360 employees in the U.S. area with a job density of 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 U.S.