Part Time Play Therapist information
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$14.42 - $17.42
2% of jobs
$17.42 - $20.41
10% of jobs
$22.04 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$20.41 - $23.40
24% of jobs
The median wage is $24.90 / hr.
$23.40 - $26.40
28% of jobs
$29.26 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$26.40 - $29.39
12% of jobs
$29.39 - $32.39
11% of jobs
$32.39 - $35.38
4% of jobs
$35.38 - $38.37
2% of jobs
$38.37 - $41.37
3% of jobs
$41.37 - $44.36
2% of jobs
$44.36 - $47.36
2% of jobs
How much do part time play therapist jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time play therapist in the United States is $27.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
A Part Time Play Therapist is a mental health professional who uses play-based techniques to help children express their feelings, resolve psychological challenges, and improve their social skills. Working part-time, they may provide therapy sessions a few days a week or for a limited number of hours. Play therapists often work with children experiencing trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, or developmental delays. They use toys, games, art, and imaginative play as tools to communicate and help children process emotions in a safe environment. Part-time roles can be found in schools, private practices, hospitals, or community organizations.
To thrive as a Part Time Play Therapist, you generally need a relevant degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with specialized training or certification in play therapy. Familiarity with assessment tools, therapeutic play materials, and case management systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, creativity, and the ability to build trust with children and families are vital soft skills. These competencies enable therapists to effectively support children's emotional and behavioral development in a flexible, part-time setting.
Part-time play therapists often face the challenge of balancing a limited number of hours with the need to provide consistent, high-quality care for their young clients. Managing a smaller caseload means it’s important to prioritize cases and maintain clear communication with families and supervising clinicians. Additionally, part-time therapists must be proactive about coordinating with other members of the care team to ensure continuity and consistency in therapeutic approaches. Strong organizational skills, flexibility, and setting clear boundaries around availability can help part-time play therapists succeed in their roles.
Play therapy is increasingly in demand as awareness of mental health and child development grows, with many healthcare and educational settings seeking qualified therapists. The profession often requires certification and specialized training, and demand can vary by region and available funding for mental health services.
What cities are hiring for Part Time Play Therapist jobs?
Cities with the most Part Time Play Therapist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Play Therapist jobs?
The most popular types of Play Therapist jobs are: