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Recreational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Newport Healthcare

Recreational Therapist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Uphold the Standards for the Practice of Recreational Therapy and the Recreational Therapy Code of Ethics, as well as PrairieCare's policies and procedures, ensuring the highest quality of care for ...

Newport Healthcare

Recreational Therapist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Uphold the Standards for the Practice of Recreational Therapy and the Recreational Therapy Code of Ethics, as well as PrairieCare's policies and procedures, ensuring the highest quality of care for ...

Newport Healthcare

Recreational Therapist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Plan and lead engaging recreational therapy and therapeutic groups. Your creativity and enthusiasm will help create an interactive and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants. * Individual ...

Embracing Abilities

Recreational Therapist

Avon, IN · On-site

$50 - $57/hr

Planning and providing appropriate recreational therapy activities and interventions. * Completing progress notes, due by the end of each month. * Attending quarterly meetings to report therapy ...

PrairieCare

Recreational Therapist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Uphold the Standards for the Practice of Recreational Therapy and the Recreational Therapy Code of Ethics, as well as PrairieCare's policies and procedures, ensuring the highest quality of care for ...

A Beautiful Mind Inc.

Recreational Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $37/hr

Develop a recreational therapy discharge plan, in collaboration with the client, family, significant others, supervising physician, and team members, when maximum improvement in recreational therapy ...

GovernmentJobs.com

Recreational Therapist

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

Employment standards include possession of a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and leisure studies with a specialization in recreation therapy and eligibility for certification ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Provide one-on-one Recreational Therapy services in clients' homes, community settings, and through telehealth when appropriate. * Design and facilitate evidence-based interventions that address ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

Redding, CA · On-site

$45/hr

Provide one-on-one Recreational Therapy services in clients' homes, community settings, and through telehealth when appropriate. * Design and facilitate evidence-based interventions that address ...

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Recreational Therapy information

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$14

$35

$64

How much do recreational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for recreational therapy 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 recreational therapy?

Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a type of therapy that uses recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. Certified recreational therapists work with people who have illnesses or disabilities to improve their quality of life, help them regain or enhance their functional abilities, and promote overall wellness. Activities may include arts and crafts, sports, games, music, and community outings, all tailored to meet specific therapeutic goals.

How does a recreational therapist typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop patient treatment plans?

Recreational Therapists regularly work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, which may include physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers. They participate in team meetings to discuss patient progress and contribute their perspective in creating holistic treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. This collaboration ensures that recreational therapy interventions align with overall medical and rehabilitation goals, leading to better patient outcomes and coordinated care.

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

To thrive as a Recreational Therapist, you need a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field, knowledge of assessment techniques, and the ability to design therapeutic activities for diverse populations. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, patient progress tracking software, and often the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential are important technical qualifications. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and patience help build rapport with clients and tailor interventions to individual needs. These skills and qualities are crucial for promoting client engagement, supporting rehabilitation goals, and enhancing overall well-being.

What is the difference between Recreational Therapy vs Physical Therapy?

AspectRecreational TherapyPhysical Therapy
CredentialsCertified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Physical Therapist (PT) license
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsClinics, hospitals, outpatient centers
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, community wellnessRehabilitation, sports medicine, orthopedics
FocusUsing recreational activities to improve well-beingRestoring physical function and mobility

Recreational Therapy and Physical Therapy both aim to improve health but focus on different approaches. Recreational Therapy emphasizes using leisure activities to enhance mental, emotional, and social well-being, often working in community or mental health settings. Physical Therapy concentrates on restoring physical function through exercises and manual therapy, primarily in medical and rehabilitation environments. While they share some credentials and work environments, their goals and methods differ significantly.

How many years does it take to be a recreational therapist?

Becoming a recreational therapist typically requires earning a bachelor's degree in recreational therapy or a related field, which generally takes about four years. Some positions may require certification, such as the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), which involves additional study and exam preparation after completing the degree.

What can you do with a recreational therapy degree?

A recreational therapy degree prepares individuals to work as recreational therapists, designing and implementing activities to improve clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Graduates can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or community settings, often requiring certification such as CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist). The role involves assessing patient needs, planning therapeutic activities, and collaborating with healthcare teams.

Where do recreational therapists make the most money?

Recreational therapists tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, especially in regions with higher living costs. Salaries can also increase with experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in areas like mental health or geriatrics.
More about Recreational Therapy jobs

What cities are hiring for Recreational Therapy jobs?

Cities with the most Recreational Therapy job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Recreational Therapy jobs?

The most popular types of Recreational Therapy jobs are:

What states have the most Recreational Therapy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Recreational Therapy jobs include:

Recreational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recreational Therapy 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 $73,740 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Recreational Therapist

Newport Healthcare

Rochester, MN • On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Newport Healthcare rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

819th of 891 rated healthcare providers

Job description

What You'll Do
As a Recreational Therapist at PrairieCare, you will be at the forefront of implementing client-centered and interactive recreational therapy services. Your role will involve creating a supportive environment where patients can engage in therapeutic activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. You will work closely with patients to develop individualized interventions that cater to their unique needs and preferences.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Adherence to Standards: Uphold the Standards for the Practice of Recreational Therapy and the Recreational Therapy Code of Ethics, as well as PrairieCare's policies and procedures, ensuring the highest quality of care for our patients.
  • Group Leadership: Plan and lead engaging recreational therapy and therapeutic groups. Your creativity and enthusiasm will help create an interactive and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants.
  • Individual Interventions: Meet with patients to assess their needs and develop personalized recreational therapy interventions. Your ability to connect with individuals will be key in tailoring activities that resonate with each patient.
  • Cultural Competence: Be oriented and educated in gender, cultural differences, and age-appropriate care. Your understanding of diverse backgrounds will enhance your ability to provide inclusive and effective therapy.

What Makes You a Great Fit
    • Must be a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist which requires graduation from an accredited program of Recreational Therapy, and certification from NCTRC.
    • Receives job training by consultation with the RT staff and other therapists, completion of ongoing in-service and orientation programs, and attendance of off-site continuing education programs as approved by management
    • Student field placement in psycho-social RT is strongly preferred for newly graduated candidates
    • Ability to smoothly and rapidly shift between dissimilar tasks
    • Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing
    • Ability to react quickly and calmly as part of a team to handle potentially emergency situations

    Pay range for this position is $24-28 an hour, depending on experience.
    We are committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation. An individual's pay rate within the posted range is determined by several factors, including skills, experience, education, and market conditions. Additionally, we consider internal equity to ensure fairness within our organization.

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