How much does a recreational therapist make?

The median pay is $29.79 per hour — roughly $62,000 a year, with the real range running from about $19.71/hr (10th percentile) to $48.28/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a recreational therapist?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a recreational therapist actually do all day?

Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs. Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being. Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.

Health Care

Recreational Therapists

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

What it pays
Recreational Therapists earn a median of $29.79/hr — about $62,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $19.71/hr; the top 10% earn $48.28/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.
Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of recreational therapists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are people-focused, analytical and hands-on.

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Related careers

Quick questions

How much does a recreational therapist make?: The median pay is $29.79 per hour — roughly $62,000 a year, with the real range running from about $19.71/hr (10th percentile) to $48.28/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a recreational therapist?: The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
What does a recreational therapist actually do all day?: Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs. Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being. Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

Trailhead is operated by FLEXVermont LLC. It is intended for high-school students age 13 and older, and the educators and families who support them, and is not directed to children under 13. Trailhead is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not offer professional, financial, or career advice, and its wage figures and pathways are estimates that may not fit your situation — they should not be relied on as the sole basis for any decision.