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.
Recreational Therapists
SOC: 29-1125 O*NET: 29-1125.00
Median Salary
$60,280
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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 does a Recreational Therapists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,520
10th percentile
Early Career
$48,230
25th percentile
Median
$60,280
50th percentile
Experienced
$77,680
75th percentile
Top Earners
$96,600
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,520
25th
$48,230
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$60,280
Mean: $65,350
75th
$77,680
90th
$96,600
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $57,080 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $48,230 and $77,680
- •Salary spread is 48.9% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 15,060 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:16,100
Top Industries
Hospitals25.2%
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities22.5%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals13.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.3%
Annual Openings:1,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)16,100
Current
2034 (Projected)16,600
+3.3%
+500
Employment Change
+3.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Recreational Therapists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 46 locations
California
1,780 jobs$96,5301.01x
New York
1,310 jobs$63,5201.40x
Texas
1,030 jobs$54,1900.76x
Pennsylvania
750 jobs$56,6901.27x
Kansas
710 jobs$39,6905.07x
Virginia
560 jobs$57,3301.41x
Florida
560 jobs$56,2200.59x
North Carolina
480 jobs$48,5901.00x
Michigan
450 jobs$63,2001.06x
Wisconsin
430 jobs$55,0101.49x
Nevada
410 jobs$77,4502.75x
Georgia
410 jobs$50,0100.87x
New Jersey
360 jobs$64,8800.87x
Connecticut
340 jobs$61,0302.05x
Maryland
340 jobs$58,3901.27x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Service Orientation
100%
#2
Coordination
94%
#3
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Instructing
60%
#8
Reading Comprehension
54%
#9
Critical Thinking
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Service Orientation
advanced5.0
100%
Coordination
advanced4.7
94%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Instructing
intermediate3.0
60%
Reading Comprehension
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Service Orientation
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Coordination
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Instructing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling82%
5 shared skills
Healthcare Social Workers82%
5 shared skills
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Interior Designers82%
5 shared skills
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan82%
5 shared skills
Occupational Therapy Aides82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Instructing
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Active Listening
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Recreational Therapists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
11
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Analysis & Evaluation (2)Planning & Development (6)General Responsibilities (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation100% perform100%
2
Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation79% perform86%
9
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.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on analysis & evaluation activities
- •64% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Recreational Therapists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Recreational Therapists professionals typically have a SIR Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
IInvestigative
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Recreational Therapists
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.92
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.76
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.74
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.71
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.71
Social Orientation
CriticalSocial Orientation
Importance Level4.59
Complete Work Styles Profile
Concern for Others
4.9
Cooperation
4.8
Dependability
4.7
Integrity
4.7
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.7
Social Orientation
4.6
Initiative
4.6
Self-Control
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Leadership
4.4
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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