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Therapeutic Recreation information

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$67

How much do therapeutic recreation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for therapeutic recreation in the United States is $32.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is therapeutic recreation?

Therapeutic recreation, also known as recreational therapy, is a health profession that uses recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with illnesses or disabling conditions. The goal is to improve physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure skills, ultimately enhancing a person's overall well-being and quality of life. Therapeutic recreation specialists work in various settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community agencies, tailoring activities to each client's abilities and interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a therapeutic recreation specialist?

To thrive as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, you need a background in recreation therapy, psychology, or a related field, often with a bachelor's degree and certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Familiarity with assessment tools, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic activity planning software is typically required. Compassion, creativity, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build rapport with clients and tailor interventions effectively. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing engaging therapeutic programs that improve clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by therapeutic recreation professionals in a healthcare setting?

Therapeutic Recreation professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing individualized care plans with group activities, adapting programs for clients with diverse physical and cognitive abilities, and collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams like occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers. Time management and resource allocation can also be demanding, especially when working with limited budgets or high client-to-staff ratios. However, these challenges are balanced by the rewarding nature of helping clients improve their quality of life and achieve therapeutic goals.

What is the difference between Therapeutic Recreation vs Recreational Therapist?

AspectTherapeutic RecreationRecreational Therapist
CredentialsCertification (CTRS), relevant degreesCertification (CTRS), relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentHospitals, rehab centers, community programsHospitals, rehab centers, community programs
Industry UsageHealthcare, rehabilitation, mental healthHealthcare, rehabilitation, mental health

Both Therapeutic Recreation and Recreational Therapist roles involve using recreational activities to improve clients' health and well-being. They share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. The main difference is often in terminology, with 'Recreational Therapist' being the more commonly used title in clinical settings, while 'Therapeutic Recreation' refers to the field or program. Both aim to enhance quality of life through structured recreational interventions.

How to become a therapeutic recreation?

To become a therapeutic recreation specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, recreation therapy, or a related field. Certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is often required or preferred, and state licensure may be necessary depending on the location. Gaining experience through internships or supervised work is also important for career development.

What do you do with a therapeutic recreation degree?

A therapeutic recreation degree prepares individuals to work as recreational therapists, designing and implementing activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients with disabilities or illnesses. Professionals in this field often work in healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, or community settings, and may require certification such as CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist). Skills in activity planning, assessment, and patient interaction are essential for this role.

Where do therapeutic recreation specialists make the most money?

Therapeutic recreation specialists tend to earn higher salaries in healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers, especially in regions with a higher cost of living. States or areas with greater demand for healthcare services and specialized certifications can also offer increased compensation for these professionals.
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Therapeutic Recreation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Therapeutic Recreation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 56% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,872 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Therapeutic Recreation Intern

Burlington, MA • On-site

Burlington Parks & Recreation
See more jobs at Burlington Parks & Recreationexternal

$17.50/hr

Internship

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Burlington Parks and Recreation is a community based setting where students can work to earn TR internship hours. Interns will work under the direct supervision of Burlington Parks and Recreation's Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Emma Andrus, CTRS. TR interns will assist in performing a variety of complex professional and administrative work in planning, developing, organizing, scheduling, directing and implementing accessible recreational, social and cultural programs for all ages and abilities.


Desired Minimum Qualifications:

  • Valid driver's license
  • Must be a student from an accredited college or university in Therapeutic Recreation and planning to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Skill with personal computer including: word processing, excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, copy and fax machine
  • Ability to learn and use recreational software used by the department
  • CORI/SORI checks to be conducted Handle with Care, Epi Pen, First Aid, AED and Adult, Child and Infant CPR certifications required (will train if needed)
  • Must have reliable transportation


Internship Program Objectives:

This internship program will provide students with opportunities to:

  • Apply in practice the knowledge and skills acquired in the academic setting
  • Gain knowledge of particular leisure service delivery systems through the use of the APIE process
  • Test and enhance leadership and basic supervisory skills
  • Become familiar with the leisure needs and interests of individuals and groups, including groups with varying abilities
  • Function as recreation professionals and articulate professional philosophies and attitudes for the delivery of recreation and leisure services for participants of all abilities
  • Advocate and raise awareness of therapeutic recreation services/programs within the community
  • Collaborate and work with administrators, program staff and volunteers involved with recreation programs
  • Plan for future therapeutic recreation programs and manage present program offerings
  • Refine oral and written communication skills
  • Enhance critical thinking and analytic skills
  • Utilize and refine problem solving skills
  • Apply and enhance technological competence


Please contact Emma Andrus if you are interested in learning more about this internship opportunity.

Deadline to apply is February 28th

Apply