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Recreational Therapist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Infirmary Health

Recreational Therapist

Bay Minette, AL · On-site

Recreational Therapist Ensures the delivery of effective and efficient recreational therapy services through planning, organizing and implementing appropriate activities to meet the individual needs ...

KurzSolutions

Recreational Therapist

Tehachapi, CA · On-site

Recreational Therapist The Recreational Therapist develops and implements specialized recreational therapy programs aimed at enhancing social interaction, leisure time utilization, and reentry ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

Orlando, FL · On-site

$45/hr

Our multidisciplinary team of Recreational Therapists, Music Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Life Skills Coaches is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals of all abilities ...

KurzSolutions

Recreational Therapist

Vacaville, CA · On-site

Recreational Therapist The Recreational Therapist develops and implements specialized recreational therapy programs aimed at enhancing social interaction, leisure time utilization, and reentry ...

TidalHealth

Recreational Therapist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$42K - $63K/yr

Recreational Therapist Position Summary The Recreational Therapist provides individual and group therapeutic recreational services to patients as referred to address functional deficits. The ...

Embracing Abilities

Recreational Therapist

Avon, IN · On-site

$50 - $57/hr

Recreational Therapist must be able to effectively communicate with other professionals, conduct assessments, program plan, implement, document, and evaluate treatment. Recreational Therapists ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$45/hr

Our multidisciplinary team of Recreational Therapists, Music Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Life Skills Coaches is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals of all abilities ...

Adelphi Medical Staffing, LLC

$55/hr

Recreational Therapist Adelphi is seeking a Recreational Therapist to provide services at a residential behavioral health facility in Pueblo of Acoma, New Mexico. The ideal candidate will deliver ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Our multidisciplinary team of Recreational Therapists, Music Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Life Skills Coaches is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals of all abilities ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

Redding, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Our multidisciplinary team of Recreational Therapists, Music Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Life Skills Coaches is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals of all abilities ...

TidalHealth

Recreational Therapist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$42K - $63K/yr

Recreational Therapist Position Summary The Recreational Therapist provides individual and group therapeutic recreational services to patients as referred to address functional deficits. The ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

Bedford, VA · On-site

$45/hr

Our multidisciplinary team of Recreational Therapists, Music Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, and Life Skills Coaches is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals of all abilities ...

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Recreational Therapist information

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$14

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$64

How much do recreational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapist in the United States is $35.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational therapist?

Recreational therapists are healthcare professionals who use activities like arts and crafts, sports, games, music, and community outings to help individuals with illnesses or disabilities improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. They assess clients’ needs and develop treatment plans tailored to each person’s abilities and interests. Through these therapeutic activities, recreational therapists aim to enhance their clients’ independence and quality of life.

What does a recreational therapist do?

Recreational therapists are therapists who work with patients recovering from injury or illness, as well as those with disabilities. They design creative activities that help their patients improve their wellbeing. Examples of therapeutic activities can include art, dance, swimming, and sports, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a recreational therapist?

To thrive as a Recreational Therapist, you need a degree in recreational therapy or a related field, knowledge of therapeutic techniques, and often national certification (CTRS). Familiarity with adaptive equipment, assessment tools, and documentation systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport and adapt activities to diverse client needs. These competencies are crucial for designing effective, individualized treatment plans that improve clients’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.

What are common challenges recreational therapists face when developing individualized treatment plans?

One common challenge Recreational Therapists encounter is tailoring activities to meet the diverse physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of each client, especially in group settings. Balancing client preferences with therapeutic goals, facility resources, and safety requirements often requires creativity and flexibility. Additionally, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams and family members to ensure continuity of care can add complexity, but also provides rewarding opportunities to advocate for clients and refine personalized interventions.

What is the difference between Recreational Therapist vs Physical Therapist?

AspectRecreational TherapistPhysical Therapist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Recreational Therapy, certification (CTRS)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, mental health, senior careRehabilitation, sports medicine, healthcare
Common Search/ComparisonRecreational Therapist vs Physical Therapist

Recreational therapists focus on using recreational activities to improve clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being, often working in community and healthcare settings. Physical therapists primarily focus on restoring mobility and reducing pain through physical interventions. While both roles require healthcare credentials and work in similar environments, their approaches and goals differ significantly.

How hard is it to become a recreational therapist?

Becoming a recreational therapist typically requires earning a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field, completing supervised clinical hours, and obtaining certification such as the CTRS credential. The process involves academic coursework, practical experience, and passing a certification exam, making it a moderately challenging but achievable career path for those interested in healthcare and therapy services.

What can you do with a recreational therapist degree?

A recreational therapist degree prepares individuals to develop and implement therapeutic recreation programs for patients with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. Graduates can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or community settings, using activities to improve clients' well-being and functional abilities. Certification, such as CTRS, is often required or preferred for employment.

Where do recreational therapists make the most money?

Recreational therapists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater healthcare funding, such as urban areas or states with robust healthcare industries. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and work setting, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or specialized clinics.
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Recreational Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,740 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

Infirmary Health

Bay Minette, AL • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Infirmary Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 888 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Recreational Therapist

Ensures the delivery of effective and efficient recreational therapy services through planning, organizing and implementing appropriate activities to meet the individual needs of the resident. Participates as an active member of the healthcare team to provide comprehensive, quality care.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • B.S. Degree in Recreational Therapy or two years experience under supervision of a state-qualified Activities Director, of which at least one year must be in a Nursing Care Facility
  • Working knowledge of recreational therapy techniques

Desired Qualifications:

  • B. S. Degree in Recreational Therapy
  • Recreational Therapy Certification

What Infirmary Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

INFIRMARY HEALTH logo

About INFIRMARY HEALTH

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Growing out of a Desire to ensure Medical access for Southern Alabama and its surrounding Communities, Infirmary Health exists as the largest Not for Profit, Non Governmental Healthcare provider in Alabama. Based in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, Infirmary Health’s hospitals and Acute care Facilities have been recognized as National Leaders in Innovative and Compassionate Care for patients using state of the art Medical Technology, no matter the Medical need. Infirmary Health’s goal is to provide the best possible Healthcare services to our patients through utilizing Technological Advances, Comprehensive Treatment, and Quality Care standards. As the largest nonprofit healthcare provider , Our Mission is to put your LIFE First and become the First choice for Healthcare in the Region. Let us help you and your family on the path to good health.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Mobile, AL, US

Year founded

1910

Social media

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