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$36

How much do recreational therapy aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapy aide in the United States is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a recreational therapy aide?

Recreational Therapy Aides are support professionals who assist recreational therapists in planning, organizing, and leading activities for individuals with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. Their role is to help implement treatment plans that use recreation and leisure activities to improve patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Duties often include preparing materials, setting up activities, supervising participants, and documenting progress. Recreational Therapy Aides work in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and community centers.

What does a recreational therapy aide do?

The responsibilities of a recreational therapy aide include working to assist a therapist or therapy assistant as they carry out planned recreational treatment. In this career, you work directly under a recreational therapist who ultimately decides your job duties. You often engage in activity with patients with mental or physical disabilities. You may help with the assessment of patients before, during, and after the treatment. In addition to being involved in therapeutic activities, you may work to prepare for treatment or clean and store equipment afterward.

What types of activities and interventions might a recreational therapy aide help plan and facilitate on a daily basis?

As a Recreational Therapy Aide, you'll frequently assist in planning and facilitating a variety of therapeutic activities tailored to specific client needs. These can include group exercises, arts and crafts, music sessions, games, and outings designed to improve physical, social, and emotional well-being. You'll work closely with certified recreational therapists and other healthcare professionals, helping to set up activities, encourage participation, and document client progress. This role requires adaptability and strong interpersonal skills, as you'll interact with individuals of varying abilities and backgrounds in settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or long-term care facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recreational therapy aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recreational Therapy Aide, you need a basic understanding of therapeutic recreation principles, strong observation skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with activity planning software, adaptive equipment, and basic medical documentation systems is often required. Patience, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills help build rapport with clients and support effective group facilitation. These abilities are crucial for promoting client well-being, ensuring safe participation, and delivering meaningful therapeutic experiences.

What is the difference between Recreational Therapy Aide vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectRecreational Therapy AideRecreational Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingBachelor's degree in recreational therapy or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, community programsSame as aide, but with more independent clinical responsibilities
Job RoleAssist recreational therapists, prepare activities, support client engagementDevelop and implement treatment plans, assess patient progress, lead activities

Recreational Therapy Aides support recreational therapists by assisting with activities and client engagement, typically requiring less formal education. Recreational Therapists have advanced training, develop treatment plans, and lead therapy sessions. Both roles work in similar environments, but the therapist holds more responsibility for clinical decision-making.

How hard is it to become a recreational therapy aide?

Becoming a recreational therapy aide typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some knowledge of therapeutic activities. While formal certification is not always required, having relevant skills, such as communication and activity planning, can improve job prospects; some positions may require on-the-job training or basic certifications like CPR.

Where do recreational therapy aides make the most money?

Recreational therapy aides tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with well-funded healthcare systems. Salaries can also vary based on the setting, with positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or specialized clinics often offering higher pay compared to community or outpatient settings.
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Recreational Therapy Aide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy Aide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,551 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

PRN Recreational Therapy Aide

New Vista Behavioral Health

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Recreational Therapy Aide

New Vista is currently recruiting for a Recreational Therapy Aide at Arch Vista, a premier Behavioral Health Hospital.

Pay Range: $17 - $20hr

The New Vista mission: Inspiring Hope, Restoring Peace of Mind, Healing Lives. At New Vista, our passionate and highly trained team of professionals inspires hope and delivers holistic care to those in need of behavioral health services in a contemporary and healing environment – one that is conducive to providing the life skills needed to regain stability and independence. With a blend of group therapy, clinical treatment, and unique surroundings, our beautiful healthcare centers provide a safe, serene, healing environment for adults and seniors with a variety of complex needs.

Our compassionate team members work in a challenging yet rewarding environment where each person is a part of making direct impact on our patient's lives.

Come join our team as a Recreational Therapy Aide at Arch Vista!

The role:

The position of Recreation Therapy Aide provides individualized activity care and services for patients. The successful candidate for the activities position will be energetic, passionate, and creative.

Perks at work:

Team members enjoy a variety of perks in working with the NewVista brand company. We offer competitive market wages along with a full, robust package for full time employees:

  • Medical Packages with Rx – 3 Choices
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Dependent Day Care Spending Accounts
  • Health Spending Accounts (HSA) with a company match
  • Dental Care Program – 2 choices
  • Vision Plan
  • Life Insurance Options
  • Accidental Insurances
  • Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • 401k with a Company Match
  • Up to $15,000 in Tuition Reimbursements OR Student Loan forgiveness
  • Mentoring + Trainer Opportunities through our Horizon Mentorship Program
  • Growth in Director and CEO positions through our Horizon Leadership Program
  • Handle with Care Trainer – Certifications
  • On the spot recognition Prizes
  • Team Member of the Quarter
  • Team Member of the Year
  • Monthly Celebrations
  • Team Member Recognition Cards

Job requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Prior work/life experiences, preferably in a healthcare setting.
  • Prior experience preferably with related software applications.
  • Must be able to plan, organize, and conduct a variety of activities
  • Basic computer literacy and skills.
  • Must possess an active state driver's license.

Qualified candidates, please apply now for a chance to join an outstanding team as we Inspire Hope, Restore Peace of Mind, and Heal Lives.

Apply