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Recreational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Caliber Therapies

Recreational Therapist

Bedford, VA · 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

Orlando, FL · 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 ...

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

Crestview, FL · 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

Orlando, FL · 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

Crestview, FL · 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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$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

Caliber Therapies

Redding, CA • On-site

$45/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

Company Overview
At Caliber Therapies, we are redefining what it means to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. 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 through meaningful, person-centered services delivered in homes and communities.
We believe exceptional client care begins with exceptional practitioner support. That's why we foster a collaborative culture built on flexibility, clinical autonomy, mentorship, and continuous professional growth. Our team enjoys competitive compensation, mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling, and opportunities to help shape innovative programs that make a lasting impact.
When you join Caliber Therapies, you're joining more than a company-you become part of a mission-driven team committed to empowering people to live fuller, more meaningful lives.
Summary
We are seeking a passionate, creative, and client-centered RT who thrives in a flexible, community-based environment. This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful therapeutic relationships while designing individualized interventions that help clients achieve greater independence, community participation, and overall well-being.
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, compassionate, adaptable, and excited to think creatively when helping clients overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
Responsibilities
As a Recreational Therapist, you will:
  • Complete comprehensive assessments and develop individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans.
  • 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 physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and leisure functioning.
  • Promote community integration, independence, self-advocacy, and meaningful participation in leisure and daily life.
  • Adapt interventions to accommodate each client's unique strengths, interests, abilities, and goals.
  • Collaborate with caregivers, case managers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated care.
  • Complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with company policies and payer requirements.
  • Maintain professional, ethical, and clinical standards while representing Caliber Therapies in the community.

If you are ready to make a meaningful difference in your community through recreational therapy, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team at Caliber Therapies!
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Recreational Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited institution.
  • Current Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential through NCTRC.
  • Ability to pass a background check.
  • Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain prior to providing services).
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within the assigned service area.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work independently while remaining connected to a collaborative clinical team.
  • Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, behavioral health diagnoses, veterans, or other specialized populations is preferred.
  • Experience with behavioral support strategies, adaptive programming, and community-based intervention is highly desirable.

Benefits
Rate: $45/hr
Mileage reimbursement
flexible schedule

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