Recreational Therapist Salary in 2026
How Much Do Recreational Therapists Make?
Recreational Therapists earn a median annual salary of $60,280 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $39,520 at the 10th percentile to $96,600 at the 90th percentile — a range of $57,080. The highest-paying state is California at $96,530.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,520 |
| 25th percentile | $48,230 |
| Median (50th) | $60,280 |
| 75th percentile | $77,680 |
| 90th percentile | $96,600 |
Recreational Therapist Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Californiatop | $96,530 |
| District of Columbia | $92,010 |
| Washington | $78,620 |
| Nevada | $77,450 |
| New Hampshire | $74,780 |
| Minnesota | $67,300 |
| New Jersey | $64,880 |
| Oregon | $64,000 |
| Illinois | $63,610 |
| New York | $63,520 |
| Michigan | $63,200 |
| Colorado | $62,630 |
| Arizona | $61,110 |
| Wyoming | $61,080 |
| Connecticut | $61,030 |
| Ohio | $60,210 |
| Maryland | $58,390 |
| North Dakota | $57,960 |
| Massachusetts | $57,540 |
| Virginia | $57,330 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,690 |
| Florida | $56,220 |
| Nebraska | $55,910 |
| Wisconsin | $55,010 |
| Maine | $54,500 |
| Texas | $54,190 |
| Kentucky | $54,030 |
| Missouri | $53,620 |
| Alabama | $52,050 |
| Indiana | $51,930 |
| Montana | $51,490 |
| Utah | $51,490 |
| Idaho | $50,960 |
| Iowa | $50,520 |
| Tennessee | $50,510 |
| Georgia | $50,010 |
| South Carolina | $49,170 |
| North Carolina | $48,590 |
| New Mexico | $47,880 |
| Louisiana | $47,350 |
| Oklahoma | $46,920 |
| Arkansas | $45,060 |
| West Virginia | $44,900 |
| Delaware | $42,310 |
| Kansas | $39,690 |
| Mississippi | $38,170 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Recreational Therapists
Recreational Therapist Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$39,520 – $48,230 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$60,280 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$77,680 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $96,600+ |
How to Earn More as a Recreational Therapist
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Recreational Therapists in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $100,360 — $40,080 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($77,680) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Recreational Therapist Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Recreational Therapistthis career | $60,280 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $95,830 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $63,780 |
| Mental Health Counselor | N/A |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | $46,110 |
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SOC: 29-1125.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.