Average Recreational Therapists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Recreational Therapists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area earn an impressive average annual salary of $70,580, significantly exceeding the national average of $60,230. This higher compensation is often driven by the region's robust economic activity and a greater demand for specialized healthcare services, which can command premium pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,680.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 360 Recreational Therapists and a location quotient of 1.17, the job market in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area indicates a healthy concentration of these professionals. This suggests a stable to growing demand for their specialized skills, as the local employment landscape is slightly more focused on this role compared to the national average.
Salary Overview
The average Recreational Therapists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+17.2%above the national average.
$33.9
$1,357
$5,882
Recreational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Recreational Therapists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, evolving therapeutic practices, and general economic inflation likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for this vital profession.
Recreational Therapists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Recreational Therapists typically involves a salary increase tied to experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $46,080 | $22.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $52,935 | $25.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $66,910 | $32.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $88,225 | $42.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $96,680 | $46.5 |
Detailed Recreational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $70,580 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into purchasing power that is on par with the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for professionals relocating to or residing in this region.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.115
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Recreational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.17 signifies that Recreational Therapists are more concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area than the national average. This suggests a slightly more competitive market, but also indicates a strong presence and established demand for these specialized roles, making it a potentially favorable environment for skilled practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Recreational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Recreational Therapists Salary | $59,780↓ 15% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Recreational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Recreational Therapists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Recreational Therapists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $70,580. This typically ranges from $46,080 for entry-level positions to $96,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 17.2% higher than the national median of $60,230.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Recreational Therapists.The average salary of $70,580 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Recreational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($59,780) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
Recreational Therapists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area earn an average of $70,580 annually, which is $10,350 more than the national average of $60,230.
What is the concentration of Recreational Therapists in this area?
The location quotient of 1.17 indicates that Recreational Therapists are 17% more concentrated in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local job market for this profession.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a cost of living index of 100, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is at the national average. This means the higher salary of $70,580 offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
What does the total local workforce number imply?
A local workforce of 360 Recreational Therapists suggests a significant, established presence of these professionals, indicating consistent demand and opportunities within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.115 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV