Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
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.
Top skills:Service OrientationSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationActive ListeningWriting
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Recreational Therapist salary by industry
Health Care and Social Assistance
11,090 workers
$67,000
State Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
3,830 workers
$77,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excl. State & Local Schools & Hospitals & USPS
3,130 workers
$80,500
Federal Government, including the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation)
1,050 workers
$95,500
Local Government, including Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
820 workers
$70,500
Educational Services
370 workers
$73,500
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
190 workers
$80,500
Other Services (except Public Administration)
100 workers
$59,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
