Recreational Therapists
Overview
Introduction
Recreational therapists plan, organize, direct, and monitor medically approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, clinics, and various community settings. These therapists use recreational activities to assist patients with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities to achieve the maximum possible functional independence. Recreational therapists, who are also known as therapeutic recreation specialists, hold about 16,600 jobs in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salaries of recreational therapists vary according to educational background, experience, certification, and region of the country. Recreational therapists had median annual earnings of $57,120 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The median annual salary for workers in all careers was $48,069. The lowest paid 10 percent of recreational therapists earned less than $37,960 a y...
Work Environment
Working conditions vary, but recreational therapists generally work in a ward, a specially equipped activity room, or at a nursing home. In a community setting, recreational therapists may interview subjects and plan activities in an office, but they might work in a gymnasium, swimming pool, playground, or outdoors on a nature walk when leading activities. Therapists may also work on horse ranc...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for recreational therapists will grow about as fast as the average for all careers from 2023 through 2033. Increased life expectancies for the elderly and for people with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome will create opportunities for recreational therapists. Most openings for therapists will be in health care and assisted liv...