Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Virginia
Recreational Therapists in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $61,630, slightly surpassing the national average of $60,230. This favorable compensation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the specific demand within the state and the overall economic landscape that influences specialized healthcare roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,320.
- Outlook: Virginia's market for Recreational Therapists appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 560 professionals. The location quotient of 1.41 indicates a higher concentration of these roles in Virginia compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Virginia earns+2.3%above the national average.
$29.6
$1,185
$5,136
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Recreational Therapists in Virginia have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased awareness of therapeutic recreation's benefits and evolving healthcare needs likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Recreational Therapists in Virginia typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and advanced certifications can command salaries well above the average, with substantial percentile gaps reflecting this advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $42,170 | $20.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $46,223 | $22.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $57,330 | $27.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $77,038 | $37 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $88,320 | $42.5 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,779
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $61,630 in Virginia presents a favorable financial outlook when considering the local cost of living. With an index of 101.4, Virginia is only slightly above the national average, meaning the reported salary offers good purchasing power for residents.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
0.138
Per 1K Jobs
1.41
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.41, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Recreational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.41 signifies that Recreational Therapists are more concentrated in Virginia than the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market for employers seeking talent, potentially leading to better compensation and benefits to attract and retain skilled professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Recreational Therapists Salary | $62,990↑ 2% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Virginia is $61,630. This typically ranges from $42,170 for entry-level positions to $88,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 2.3% higher than the national median of $60,230.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
Yes, Virginia offers a lucrative environment for Recreational Therapists.The average salary of $61,630 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is only marginally higher, providing strong earning potential.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($62,990) and others.
How does Virginia's average Recreational Therapist salary compare to the national average?
Recreational Therapists in Virginia earn an average of $61,630 annually, which is higher than the national average of $60,230.
What is the concentration of Recreational Therapists in Virginia?
Virginia has a higher concentration of Recreational Therapists than the national average, indicated by a location quotient of 1.41.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect the salary?
Virginia's cost of living index is 101.4, just slightly above the national average, meaning the $61,630 salary provides good real income.
What does the job market look like for Recreational Therapists in Virginia?
The job market appears strong, with a notable concentration of professionals and a total workforce of 560, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 0.138 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 Virginia