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Recreation Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UHS

MGR - RECREATION THERAPY

Reno, NV

The Recreational Therapist Manager will oversee a team of therapists and activity specialists, ensuring the delivery of innovative, evidence-based therapeutic activities that promote physical ...

On With Life

Recreation Therapy Specialist

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Currently seeking a Recreation Therapy Specialist in Ankeny, Iowa. This role helps to provide engaging, person-centered programming for individuals with brain injuries. Candidates should be organized ...

UHS

MGR - RECREATION THERAPY

Reno, NV · On-site

$80K - $121K/yr

The Recreational Therapist Manager will oversee a team of therapists and activity specialists, ensuring the delivery of innovative, evidence-based therapeutic activities that promote physical ...

UHS

MGR - RECREATION THERAPY

Reno, NV

The Recreational Therapist Manager will oversee a team of therapists and activity specialists, ensuring the delivery of innovative, evidence-based therapeutic activities that promote physical ...

Youthvillages

Recreation Therapy Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K - $57K/yr

Our Recreation Therapy Specialists work with young people in a residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem. An ideal Recreation ...

Youth Villages

Recreation Therapy Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$50K - $57K/yr

Our Recreation Therapy Specialists work with young people in a residential setting to develop their abilities to interact with others in a team and increase their self-esteem. An ideal Recreation ...

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Recreation Therapy information

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$10

$17

$23

How much do recreation therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy in the United States is $17.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges recreation therapists face when working with diverse client populations?

Recreation therapists often work with clients of varying ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, which can present challenges in tailoring activities to meet individual needs and preferences. Adapting therapeutic interventions to accommodate physical, cognitive, or emotional limitations while ensuring everyone feels included requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as nurses, social workers, and family members, are essential for developing comprehensive care plans and achieving positive outcomes.

How do I become a recreation therapist?

To become a recreation therapist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy, therapeutic recreation, or a related field. Certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is often required or preferred, and state licensure may be necessary depending on the location. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can also help in establishing a career in this field.

Where do recreation therapists make the most money?

Recreation therapists tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers, especially in regions with higher living costs. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and specialization in areas like mental health or pediatric therapy.

What are the career paths in recreation therapy?

Recreation therapists can pursue various career paths including working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, mental health facilities, and community programs. They may advance to supervisory roles, specialize in areas like pediatric or geriatric therapy, or obtain certifications to enhance their qualifications. Opportunities often involve developing treatment plans, leading recreational activities, and collaborating with healthcare teams.

What is recreation therapy?

Recreation therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a healthcare profession that uses recreational activities to help individuals with disabilities or illnesses improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Recreation therapists design and implement interventions such as games, sports, arts and crafts, music, and community outings tailored to each client's needs. The goal is to enhance patients' functioning, promote independence, and improve their quality of life. They work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and community agencies.

Are recreation therapists in demand?

Recreation therapists are in growing demand due to an increased focus on holistic healthcare and patient well-being. They work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and senior care facilities, often requiring certification and strong interpersonal skills. Employment prospects are expected to remain favorable as the healthcare industry emphasizes quality of life and recovery programs.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreation TherapyRecreational Therapist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CTRS), relevant degreesCertification (e.g., CTRS), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, rehab centers, community programs
Industry UsageUsed to describe the field and servicesJob title for professionals providing services

Recreation Therapy refers to the field and its practices, while Recreational Therapist is the professional role within that field. Both share similar credentials and work environments, with the term Recreation Therapy describing the discipline and Recreational Therapist being the practitioner delivering the services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreation therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapist, you need a background in therapeutic recreation, a degree in recreation therapy or a related field, and often Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credentials. Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and documentation systems is essential for planning and evaluating therapy programs. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport with clients and adapt activities to varying needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing effective therapy interventions that enhance client well-being and foster social, emotional, and physical development.
More about Recreation Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Recreation Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Recreation Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Recreation Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Recreation Therapy jobs include:
Recreation Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Recreation Therapy Technician

CHI St Vincent Health

Little Rock, AR

$15 - $21.09/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As a Recreation Therapist, you'll improve patient well-being by designing therapeutic recreation programs, helping them develop skills and enhance quality of life.
Every day you'll assess needs, plan treatments, and lead engaging activities, collaborating with teams and documenting progress.
To be successful in this role, you need strong therapeutic recreation knowledge, creativity, and interpersonal skills.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree. Specialty in a therapeutic recreation preferred. 

Certification as Recreational Therapy Assistant preferred.

Must have current BLS and CPI.

At least on year workplace experience with a mental health population preferred or internship as recreational therapy assistant.  

Where You'll Work

CHI St. Vincent, a regional health network serving Arkansas, is part of CommonSpirit Health. We have served Arkansas since 1888 with a history of many firsts. Together with more than 4500 coworkers, 1000 medical staff and 500 volunteers we consistently receive praise for care advancements. CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health in 2019. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community. CHI St. Vincent provides you with the same level of care you provide to others. We care about our team member well-being and offer benefits that complement and support your work/life balance.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree. Specialty in a therapeutic recreation preferred. 

Certification as Recreational Therapy Assistant preferred.

Must have current BLS and CPI.

At least on year workplace experience with a mental health population preferred or internship as recreational therapy assistant.  

Employment Type: Full Time

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