Recreational Therapists Salary (2025)
Based on 14,930 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $40,990 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $50,240 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $61,960 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $79,930 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $100,420 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$41K
25th
$50K
Median
$62K
75th
$80K
90th
$100K
Highest Paying States for Recreational Therapists
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| California | $95,420 |
| Texas | $90,570 |
| District of Columbia | $88,060 |
| Washington | $81,020 |
| New Hampshire | $78,410 |
| Minnesota | $75,120 |
| Hawaii | $71,690 |
| Nevada | $71,530 |
| New York | $68,960 |
| Connecticut | $68,280 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Recreational Therapists salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is California at an average of $95,420 per year, while Connecticut has an average of $68,280 — a difference of $27,140. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Recreational Therapists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14,930 workers were employed as Recreational Therapistss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations. The annual mean wage of $67,630 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 29-1125