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Recreation Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

stcam

Recreation Therapy Assistant

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

Camillus is seeking a Recreation Therapy Assistant who is passionate about enriching the lives of older adults. In this rewarding role, you'll help plan and lead engaging therapeutic activities that ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 the highest paying recreation jobs?

Recreation therapy positions such as clinical recreation therapists and specialized therapeutic recreation managers tend to have higher salaries, especially with advanced certifications and experience. Leadership roles in recreation management or therapeutic services often offer the highest pay within the field, with salaries increasing for those working in healthcare or specialized settings.

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.

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 also exist in research, program development, and administrative positions within the field.

Where do recreational therapists get paid the most?

Recreational therapists tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialized rehabilitation centers, especially in regions with higher living costs. Salaries are also higher for those with advanced certifications, experience, or who work in urban areas with greater demand for therapy services.

What do recreational therapists do?

Recreational therapists design and implement recreational and leisure activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients with illnesses or disabilities. They assess individual needs, develop treatment plans, and use activities such as sports, arts, and community outings to promote recovery and quality of life. Certification and knowledge of therapeutic techniques are often required in this field.

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.

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% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,898 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Recreation Therapy - Assistant Recreation Therapy

stcam

Wauwatosa, WI

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Make a Meaningful Difference—One Activity at a Time

St. Camillus is seeking a Recreation Therapy Assistant who is passionate about enriching the lives of older adults. In this rewarding role, you’ll help plan and lead engaging therapeutic activities that promote connection, independence, and overall quality of life for our residents—both in group settings and through one-on-one interactions.

If you are creative, compassionate, and interested in healthcare or aging services, we encourage you to apply.

What You’ll Do

As a Recreation Therapy Assistant, you will:

  • Plan, organize, and implement engaging recreational and therapeutic activities.
  • Support residents during activities by providing clear instructions and hands-on assistance.
  • Encourage participation through personal outreach, flyers, and special events.
  • Document resident participation, behaviors, and one-on-one visits.
  • Assist new residents with transition and inclusion into community life.
  • Facilitate community outings, special events, and themed activities.
  • Provide wheelchair transportation and ambulation support as needed.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to meet residents’ changing needs.
  • Assist with monthly activity calendars, room set-ups, decorations, and entertainment coordination.
  • Ensure resident safety, dignity, confidentiality, and adherence to organizational policies.
What We’re Looking For

Minimum Qualifications & Skills:

  • Individuals pursuing a healthcare-related degree or those passionate about serving older adults are encouraged to apply.
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Creativity and enthusiasm for designing engaging activities.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to document clearly and accurately.
  • Basic computer skills (email, flyers, internet browsing).
  • Knowledge of community recreation resources is a plus.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • Ability to safely perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and occasional daytime hours.
Why Join St. Camillus?
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization that values dignity, compassion, and community.
  • Gain hands-on experience in healthcare and therapeutic recreation.
  • Make a direct, positive impact on residents’ daily lives.
  • Work alongside dedicated professionals in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Hours: Every other Weekend/ Two Evenings with opportunity to pick up hours

Apply