How to become recreational therapistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$61,960
25th–75th pct. $50,240–$79,930
Top pay (est.)
$130,500
Top 10% $100,420
Pay in 5 years
$72,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$85,800est.
$73,800–$99,600
Outlook score
68/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
14%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.8%
1,400 openings / yr
How to become recreational therapists
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Recreational Therapists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Assisting and Caring for OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesScheduling Work and ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCoaching and Developing Others
Important abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityWritten Comprehension
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as recreational therapists
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.