Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Recreational therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Many employers require them to be certified. PayThe median annual wage for recreational therapists was $61,960 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for recreational therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of recreational therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about recreational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for recreational therapists was $61,960 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for recreational therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of recreational therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about recreational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for recreational therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of recreational therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about recreational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based medical treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
Work Environment
Recreational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and government parks and recreation departments. Most work full time.
How to Become a Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Many employers require them to be certified.
Pay
The median annual wage for recreational therapists was $61,960 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,400 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for recreational therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of recreational therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about recreational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Recreational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and government parks and recreation departments. Most work full time.
How to Become a Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation. Many employers require them to be certified.
Pay
The median annual wage for recreational therapists was $61,960 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 1,400 openings for recreational therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for recreational therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of recreational therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about recreational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for recreational therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of recreational therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about recreational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about recreational therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.