Recreational Therapists
Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
Is recreational therapists a good career?
It scores 16/100 and ranks #472 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($61,960)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What recreational therapists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. recreational therapists earn between $50,240 and $79,930 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live recreational therapists jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
Recreational therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field, such as recreational therapy, or in recreation and fitness.
Recreational therapy programs include courses in physiology, human anatomy, and psychology. Bachelor’s degree programs usually include an internship.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Employers may require or prefer recreational therapists to be certified. Candidates may qualify for certification in more than one way. For example, one option requires a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, completing a supervised internship, and passing an exam. Another option also requires passing an exam but allows candidates with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated subject to qualify with a combination of education and work experience. In order to maintain certification, therapists must either pass an exam or complete work experience and continuing education requirements after a specified number of years.
Therapists also may earn certificates from other organizations to show proficiency in specific therapy techniques, such as aquatic therapy or aromatherapy. Some employers prefer to hire recreational therapists who have basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
A small number of states require recreational therapists to be licensed or certified. For specific requirements,
Important qualities
Communication skills. Recreational therapists need to give clear instructions during activities or for healthy coping techniques. They also must write clearly in documenting patient progress.
Compassion. Recreational therapists may deal with people who are in pain, so they should be empathetic when providing support to patients and their families.
Leadership skills. Recreational therapists must be engaging and able to motivate patients to participate in a variety of therapeutic activities.
Listening skills. Recreational therapists must pay attention to patients’ concerns in order to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
Patience. Recreational therapists may work with patients who require more time and special attention than do others.
Resourcefulness. Recreational therapists must be both creative and flexible when customizing treatment plans and adapting activities or programs to meet patients' needs.
Related occupations
How much do recreational therapists make?
The national median wage is $61,960 a year, with the middle half earning between $50,240 and $79,930 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is recreational therapists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 16 of 100 and ranks #472 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.3% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a recreational therapist?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do recreational therapists earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($98,170). Local pay for every state and metro is below.