Recreational Therapists
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $61,960/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
• Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
• Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
What's the median pay for Recreational Therapists?
The median pay for Recreational Therapists is $61,960 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Recreational Therapists?
Employment for Recreational Therapists is projected to change +3.3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Recreational Therapists?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Recreational Therapists?
About 1,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.