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$8

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How much do recreation therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreation therapy assistant in Indiana is $31.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $59.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreation Therapy Assistant, you need a background in recreation, therapy, or a related field, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with activity planning software, adaptive equipment, and client documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help you engage clients and adapt activities to diverse needs. These capabilities are crucial for promoting client well-being, enhancing quality of life, and supporting therapeutic goals.

What are some common challenges Recreation Therapy Assistants face when working with diverse participant groups?

Recreation Therapy Assistants often work with individuals who have a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and needs, which can present challenges in planning and adapting activities to be inclusive and engaging for everyone. Balancing the physical, emotional, and cognitive limitations of participants while maintaining a positive and motivating environment requires strong communication and creative problem-solving skills. Additionally, assistants may need to collaborate closely with therapists, caregivers, and other staff to ensure activities align with therapeutic goals, which can require flexibility and teamwork.

What are Recreation Therapy Assistants?

Recreation Therapy Assistants are professionals who help plan, implement, and oversee recreational activities for individuals with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. They work under the supervision of Recreation Therapists to support patients’ rehabilitation, improve their quality of life, and promote socialization. Their tasks may include organizing games, arts and crafts, outings, and fitness programs tailored to participants’ needs. Recreation Therapy Assistants typically work in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and community facilities.

What skills do you need to be a recreation assistant?

Recreation Therapy Assistants need strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients and team members. They should have good organizational abilities, basic knowledge of therapeutic activities, and often require certification or training in CPR and first aid. Physical stamina and patience are also important for supporting clients in various recreational activities.

What is the difference between Recreation Therapy Assistant vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreation Therapy AssistantRecreational Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in recreation therapy or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, long-term care facilitiesSimilar settings, with more independent clinical responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, rehab centers, community programsHealthcare facilities, mental health centers, rehabilitation clinics
Job FocusAssist in implementing recreational activities under supervisionDesign and lead therapeutic recreation programs independently

Recreation Therapy Assistants support recreational activities under supervision, focusing on assisting with programs. Recreational Therapists develop and lead therapeutic recreation plans, often requiring higher credentials. Both roles work in healthcare settings, but the Therapist has more independent responsibilities and advanced qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings:
Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 64% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,584 per year, or $31.1 per hour.
Recreation Therapy Assistant - Indy South

Recreation Therapy Assistant - Indy South

Sycamore Services Inc

Indianapolis, IN

$15 - $17.75/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description

Sycamore Services is seeking a Recreation Therapy Assistant to make a difference in other's lives and your own by providing training in daily living skills and promoting community involvement for people with disabilities. A non-profit organization devoted to enhancing the quality of life for those we serve by empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other challenges that can limit daily activities. We offer personalized services across home, community, and office settings, tailored to meet the unique needs of each person we serve.  

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in becoming a certified Recreation Therapist, looking to step into the industry!


Job Duties: 

  • Under the clinical supervision and direction of the recreational therapist, uses systematic procedures for collecting assessment information
  • Collaborates and assists the recreational therapist in the development of client treatment goals and treatment interventions.
  • Assists the recreational therapist in identifying activity modifications, adaptations, and assistive devices that may be necessary to implement the treatment plan. 
  • Observe client response to treatment interventions/activities and report behavioral observations to the recreational therapist so the treatment plan can be continued, modified, or discontinued as necessary. 
  • Documents the effects of the treatment intervention to provide the recreational therapist with the information needed for evaluation of the intervention. Collaborates with the recreational therapist during the implementation of the treatment intervention and reports all adverse reactions and observations of patient response and behaviors to the recreational      therapist and treatment team.
  • Assists the recreational therapist in evaluating the treatment plan. 
  • Documents evaluation results and reports client data to the recreational therapist and the treatment team. 
  • Plans, provides, and/or supervises activities of leisure/ recreation opportunities for clients to improve the general health and well-being of clients and their adjustment to the healthcare environment or treatment procedures. 

Requirements

  •  High School Diploma or GED required or demonstrated skill equivalent.
  • Be 18 years of age or older (21 years of age or older if operating public vehicles).
  • Possess a valid driver's license, a good driving record that meets or exceeds the system's established driver eligibility standards, and the ability to obtain a public passenger chauffeur's license required if operating public vehicles.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience working with persons with disabilities is preferred (but not required). 
  • Knowledge of recreational therapy theory, principles and techniques, and methods to improve client functioning and independence is required. 
  • Knowledge of medical, psychiatric, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, sensory impairments, co-occurring disorders, or other disabling conditions and client needs for recreational therapy treatment is required. 
  • Knowledge of activity analysis, activity modifications, and adaptive and assistive devices/techniques/technology is required. 
  • Skill in effective communication techniques and the ability to establish rapport and effective and supportive relationships with clients, family, and staff is required. 
  • The ability to plan and develop activity and recreation programs and to assist recreational therapists in developing treatment interventions is required. 
  • The ability to observe behavior and to report and document /client responses and reactions is required. 
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 35 pounds (70 pounds if operating public vehicles), exert up to 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10-26 pounds of force frequently.  

Location: Hanna Ave Indianapolis, IN

Part-Time: Monday & Thursday 8:00a-4:30p (potential for more hours)

Hourly/Non-Exempt

Flexible schedule based on program needs.

Travel as required for training, program, community access, and company events 

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