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Activities Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AnMed

Activities Therapist

Anderson, SC · On-site

The Activities Therapist is directly responsible to the Behavioral Health Nurse Manager and performs job tasks as an integral member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. Plans, develops and ...

Sacramento County, CA

Activities Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of * Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute ...

County of Sacramento

Activities Therapist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$84K - $97K/yr

Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. Examples of Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute ...

PACE Southeast Michigan

Activities Therapist

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$47K - $48K/yr

PACE is currently hiring Recreational Therapist for our Day Health Center for Seniors in Pontiac ... These activities are designed to support people emotionally, socially, physically, mentally, and ...

Mercy

Activities Therapist

Anoka, MN · On-site

The purpose of Activity therapy is to facilitate positive changes in patients basic functional ability, achieve improved independent functioning, and to make the hospital experience positive and ...

Stamford Health

Activities Therapist-PD

Stamford, CT

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Stamford Health

Activities Therapist-PD

Stamford, CT

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

Stamford Health

Activities Therapist-PD

Stamford, CT · On-site

Establishes and provides activities and therapy programs on inpatient unit as requested to do so by Director/Manager. Provides a wide range of therapeutic activities through which the patients can ...

PACE Southeast Michigan

Be Seen First

Activities Therapist Southfield

Southfield, MI · On-site

$47K - $48K/yr

PACE is currently hiring Recreational Therapist for our Day Health Center for Seniors in Pontiac ... These activities are designed to support people emotionally, socially, physically, mentally, and ...

Lifepoint Health

Therapist, Activity

Beachwood, OH · On-site

As an Activities Therapist joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ® . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and ...

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Activities Therapist information

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$12

$28

$45

How much do activities therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for activities therapist in the United States is $28.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Activities Therapist vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectActivities TherapistRecreational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in occupational therapy, recreation therapy, or related field; certifications vary by regionRequires a degree in recreational therapy or related field; certification often from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, schoolsRehabilitation centers, nursing homes, community programs, hospitals
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health organizations, educational institutionsHealthcare, community health, senior care, mental health services

Activities Therapists and Recreational Therapists both focus on improving clients' quality of life through therapeutic activities. While their roles overlap significantly, Activities Therapists often emphasize structured activities to develop specific skills, whereas Recreational Therapists focus on leisure activities to promote overall well-being. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable settings, making them closely related professions in the healthcare and rehabilitation industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Activities Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Activities Therapist, you need a background in recreation therapy, psychology, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and certification (such as CTRS). Familiarity with activity planning software, patient documentation systems, and adaptive equipment is commonly required. Creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate and engage diverse client groups are standout soft skills. These competencies are crucial to designing effective therapeutic activities that enhance clients’ well-being and support their rehabilitation goals.

What other jobs can I do as a therapist?

Activities therapists can often transition into related roles such as mental health counselors, social workers, occupational therapists, or rehabilitation specialists. These positions typically require relevant certifications or licenses and involve working with similar populations or using therapeutic skills in different settings.

What are Activities Therapists?

Activities Therapists are healthcare professionals who plan and lead therapeutic activities for individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or community programs. Their goal is to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients through recreational activities such as art, music, games, exercise, or social events. They assess clients’ interests and abilities and tailor activities to meet their needs, helping to enhance quality of life and promote recovery. Activities Therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support overall treatment plans.

What Does an Activities Therapist Do?

An activities therapist designs recreational activities to aid in the therapeutic rehabilitation of patients with illnesses, diseases, or disabilities. Your responsibilities include performing assessments of your patients, reading over their medical records and reports from other medical practitioners, and working with your patients to tailor specific plans based on their interests and hobbies to aid in their rehabilitation. You also make adjustments to the program depending on how your patient performs. Other duties include helping your patients to cope with difficult situations and addressing underlying issues, such as stress or depression, through therapeutic activities.

What do activity therapists do?

Activity therapists design and implement therapeutic activities to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and social functioning. They work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health facilities, often using activities like arts and crafts, games, and exercise to promote recovery and well-being. Certification and strong interpersonal skills are important for this role.

What therapist job makes the most money?

Among therapy-related roles, psychiatrist positions tend to have the highest salaries due to medical training and prescribing authority. Licensed clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists also earn high incomes, especially with advanced certifications and experience. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and work setting, but medical and specialized mental health roles generally top the pay scale for therapists.

What are some common challenges Activities Therapists face when designing group sessions, and how can they be addressed?

Activities Therapists often encounter the challenge of creating sessions that accommodate a wide range of abilities, interests, and therapeutic needs within a diverse group. Balancing individual goals with group dynamics requires flexibility and strong communication skills. To address these challenges, therapists typically assess participants beforehand, adapt activities for inclusivity, and collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure each session supports therapeutic outcomes while keeping participants engaged and motivated.

What are the career paths in recreation therapy?

Career paths in recreation therapy include roles such as clinical recreation therapists, activity coordinators, and program managers in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community settings. Advancement opportunities often involve specialization in areas like mental health, geriatrics, or pediatric therapy, and may require additional certifications or advanced degrees. These roles typically involve planning and implementing therapeutic recreational activities to improve clients' well-being and functional abilities.
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Activities Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Activities Therapist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,690 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Activities Therapist

Activities Therapist

AnMed

Anderson, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

AnMed rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Located in the heart of Anderson, South Carolina, AnMed is a dynamic, not-for-profit health system dedicated to delivering exceptional care with compassion, innovation, and integrity. At AnMed, our mission is simple yet powerful:  

To provide exceptional and compassionate care to all we serve. 

AnMed has been named one of the Best Employers in South Carolina by Forbes, reflecting our commitment to a supportive, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to grow in a new direction, you'll find opportunities to thrive, lead, and make a meaningful impact here.  

The Activities Therapist is directly responsible to the Behavioral Health Nurse Manager and performs job tasks as an integral member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. Plans, develops and implements the activity therapy program involving recreational, occupation, music and creative therapies with adult and geriatric population in the hospital setting. 

Duties & Responsibilities  

  • Demonstrates knowledge of activity/music therapy and maintains a broad scope of activities for the patient population served.  

  • Develops a knowledge base of procedures/resources for using community leisure and vocational facilities  

  • Participates in and assumes primary responsibility for activity/music therapy program modifications and development.  

  • Responsible for electronically documenting both specific evaluation and group notes on patients in a behavioral specific format. 

Education/ Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education or Recreation Therapeutic Management with emphasis in music/therapeutic recreation required.  

  • One year of psychiatric experience as a therapist preferred. 

  • Certification by National Council for Therapeutic Recreation at the professional level or certificate in related therapeutic area required within 1 year of employment.

Benefits* 

  • Medical Insurance & Wellness Offerings. 

  • Compensation, Retirement & Financial Planning. 

  • Free Financial Counseling. 

  • Work-Life Balance & Paid Time Off (PTO). 

  • Professional Development. 

  • For more information, please visit: anmed.org/careers/benefits 

*Varied benefits packages are available for positions with a 0.6 FTE or higher. 

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About AnMed

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AnMed is a dynamic, comprehensive health system in Anderson, S.C. For more than 100 years, AnMed has provided health care for residents of eight counties in upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia. AnMed’s medical staff includes more than 400 physicians, and over 3,600 employees. AnMed has been an inseparable part of the Anderson community for more than a century. From its modest beginning as a 25-bed hospital in 1908, AnMed has evolved into the state’s largest independent, not-for-profit health system with more than 50 patient care sites and nearly 4,000 employees. Our goal is to provide excellent care. The health system is anchored by the 461-bed Medical Center in Anderson. AnMed also has a satellite North Campus which includes a comprehensive Cancer Center, physician offices, AnMed Rehabilitation Hospital and the Cardiac and Orthopaedic Center. AnMed Cannon, located in Pickens, South Carolina, is also part of the system.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Anderson, SC, US

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