Recreational Therapists Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay, Job Outlook & How to Become One
Recreational Therapists—also called Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS)—earn a median annual salary of $61,960, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mean wage is $67,630, or about $30 per hour. In the field's upper echelon, the top 10% earn more than $100,420; at entry level, the bottom 10% make around $40,990. With roughly 14,930 professionals employed nationwide and modest growth ahead, this career offers stable income for those drawn to helping others through leisure and activity-based therapy.
How much Recreational Therapists earn
The national median salary for Recreational Therapists is $61,960. Half of workers earn more than that; half earn less. The average (mean) annual wage is $67,630, and the typical hourly rate is about $30.
Salaries span widely: the 10th percentile (entry-level) sits at $40,990, while the 90th percentile (experienced or specialized roles) reaches $100,420. Where you work—by industry and location—strongly affects pay.
- Median annual wage: $61,960
- Mean annual wage: $67,630
- Mean hourly wage: $30.11
- 10th percentile: $40,990
- 90th percentile: $100,420
Pay by state
Recreational Therapists earn the most in California ($98,170), District of Columbia ($95,640), New Hampshire ($82,280), Nevada ($78,730), and Washington ($77,860). These higher wages often reflect cost of living and demand in healthcare or government settings.
On the lower end, Mississippi pays a mean of $39,560, Kansas $40,010, and Arkansas $42,670. State funding, facility types, and regional economics drive these differences.
How to become a Recreational Therapist
The typical path starts with a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field like recreation management. Coursework covers anatomy, psychology, and program planning. Many programs include a supervised internship of 600+ hours.
Most employers require certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) to use the CTRS title. To qualify, you need a degree, internship, and passing score on the exam. Some states also require licensure; check your state's regulations.
After certification, entry-level roles include positions in hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, or parks and recreation departments. With experience, you can advance to supervisory roles or specialize in areas like mental health or gerontology.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field.
- Complete a supervised internship (typically 600+ hours).
- Pass the NCTRC exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
- Check state licensure requirements where you plan to work.
- Apply for entry-level positions in healthcare or community settings.
Job outlook
Employment of Recreational Therapists is projected to grow 3.3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,300 openings per year over the decade. Many openings will stem from retirements or workers leaving the field.
Demand should be strongest in healthcare settings serving aging populations—nursing homes, assisted living, and hospitals. Veterans' facilities and mental health centers also hire regularly. The small occupation size means each opening can be competitive, but growth is steady.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a Recreational Therapist?
The average (mean) salary is $67,630 per year, or about $30 per hour. Median pay is $61,960.
How do I become a Recreational Therapist?
You need a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, a supervised internship, and certification (CTRS) from NCTRC. Some states require additional licensure.
Is Recreational Therapy a growing field?
Yes, employment is projected to grow 3.3% from 2024-2034, about average, with about 1,300 openings each year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Recreational Therapists data.