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Recreational Therapist Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the recreation therapist also participates in varied department activities designed to enhance patient care and programs within Rehabilitation Services.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the recreation therapist also participates in varied department activities designed to enhance patient care and programs within Rehabilitation Services.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the recreation therapist also participates in varied department activities designed to enhance patient care and programs within Rehabilitation Services.

Recreational Therapist will be working in a Complex Intervention Unit where inpatients will have acute medical complications in addition to active mental health diagnosis. Experience with mental ...

Recreational Therapist will be working in a Complex Intervention Unit where inpatients will have acute medical complications in addition to active mental health diagnosis. Experience with mental ...

Recreational Therapist will be working in a Complex Intervention Unit where inpatients will have acute medical complications in addition to active mental health diagnosis. Experience with mental ...

Schedule 8am-4pm (Recreation, Music, Art, Yoga) Your Work Matters How will you make a difference? Join our dynamic team at Lake Behavioral Hospital and make a difference as a PRN Expressive Therapist

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Recreational Therapist information

See Racine, WI salary details

$13

$33

$60

How much do recreational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapist in Racine, WI is $33.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $43.75 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI?

The most popular types of Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI are:

What job categories do people searching Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Recreational Therapist jobs in Racine, WI are:

What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Recreational Therapist jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Recreational Therapist job openings:

Infographic showing various Recreational Therapist job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,145 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

FROEDTERT HEALTH

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Discover. Achieve. Succeed. #BeHere
Location: US:WI:WAUWATOSA at our FROEDTERT BLUEMOUND REHAB HOSP facility.
This job is ON - SITE.
FTE: 1.000000
Standard Hours: 40.00
Shift: Shift 1
Schedule: Week 1: Monday-Friday; Week 2: Tuesday-Saturday
Job Summary:
Provides comprehensive therapeutic recreation services to the patient by assessing, planning, implementing, and documenting treatment programs. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the recreation therapist also participates in varied department activities designed to enhance patient care and programs within Rehabilitation Services. Other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION:
A minimum of 1 year of experience in a rehabilitation setting is preferred.
EDUCATION DESCRIPTION:
Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Therapy is required.
LICENSURE DESCRIPTION:
Certification as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is required or obtained within 6 months of hire. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (BLS) or an AHA approved equivalent is required.
Perks & Benefits at Froedtert Health
Froedtert Health Offers a variety of perks & benefits to staff, depending on your role you may be eligible for the following:
  • Paid time off
  • Growth opportunity- Career Pathways & Career Tuition Assistance, CEU opportunities
  • Academic Partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Referral bonuses
  • Retirement plan - 403b
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Free Workplace Clinics
  • Employee Assistance Programs, Adoption Assistance, Healthy Contributions, Care@Work, Moving Assistance, Discounts on gym memberships, travel and other work life benefits available

The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin regional health network is a partnership between Froedtert Health and the Medical College of Wisconsin supporting a shared mission of patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health network operates eastern Wisconsin's only academic medical center and adult Level I Trauma center engaged in thousands of clinical trials and studies. The Froedtert & MCW health network, which includes ten hospitals, nearly 2,000 physicians and more than 45 health centers and clinics draw patients from throughout the Midwest and the nation.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer who values and maintains an environment that attracts, recruits, engages and retains a diverse workforce. We welcome protected veterans to share their priority consideration status with us at 262-439-1961. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. During your application and interview process, if you have a need that requires an accommodation, please contact us at 262-439-1961. We will attempt to fulfill all reasonable accommodation requests.

Froedtert logo

About Froedtert

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Froedtert is a world-class healthcare organization based in Milwaukee, WI, United States. The company operates within the healthcare and wellness industry, providing a broad spectrum of medical services to the residents of southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Froedtert was founded in 1980 and is an academic health network, which ripples an integrated affiliation with the Medical College of Wisconsin. The company prides itself on its cutting-edge treatments, sophisticated technology, and groundbreaking research. Froedtert’s mission is to advance health in the communities they serve, with a profound commitment towards patient care, education, research and community outreach.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

Year founded

1980