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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 Missouri is $30.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $58.61 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Recreation Therapy jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Missouri? For Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs in Missouri are:
Recreation Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreation Therapy Assistant job openings in Missouri as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 59% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,664 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Recreation Therapist PRN Psych

Recreation Therapist PRN Psych

Research Psychiatric Center

Kansas City, MO

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Introduction

Last year our HCA Healthcare colleagues invested over 156,000 hours volunteering in our communities. As a Recreation Therapist with Research Psychiatric Center, you can be a part of an organization that is devoted to giving back!

Benefits

Research Psychiatric Center offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
  • Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
  • Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more
  • Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
  • Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships
  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
  • Colleague recognition program
  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)
  • Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Would you like to unlock your potential with a leading healthcare provider dedicated to the growth and development of our colleagues? Join the Research Psychiatric Center family! We will give you the tools and resources you need to succeed in our organization. We are looking for an enthusiastic Recreation Therapist to help us reach our goals. Unlock your potential!

Job Summary and Qualifications

Plans, organizes, and conducts recreational therapy program. Provides professional therapeutic programming and services to behavioral health patients on a designated unit in a manner consistent with the philosophy and objectives of Research Psychiatric Center. Participates in the multidisciplinary treatment team plan of care. Works collaboratively with members of the health care team, maintains a safe environment, and provides patient and family education. Demonstrates competency to provide age-appropriate care to adolescent patients (12-18 years of age), adult patients (18 and older, including geriatric patients age 55 years+).

What qualifications you will need:

· Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Recreational, Occupational or Music Therapy from an accredited university

· Prefer prior experience working with a psychiatric mental health population, preferably in an inpatient setting

· Current certification as a Recreational Therapist is preferred. If Occupational Therapist Assistant, COTA certification is required within initial 90 days of employment

· Demonstrated BLS required within 30 days of hire

Research Psychiatric Center is a 95+ bed facility. We offer acute inpatient, day treatment, and community-based outpatient behavioral healthcare. We treat adolescents, adults, and senior adults for emotional disorders, mental illness, and substance abuse. Our professional staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors. We are committed to delivering our patients skilled compassionate care regardless of age or circumstance.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

"There is so much good to do in the world and so many different ways to do it."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.
HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

Be a part of an organization that invests in you! We are reviewing applications for our Recreation Therapist PRN Psych opening. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Submit your application and help us raise the bar in patient care!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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