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Recreational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arch Vista

PRN Recreational Therapy Aide

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Job Address: 5500 South Broadway St Louis, MO 63111 PRN Recreational Therapy Aide Pay Range: $15 - $20hr Shift : PRN Hours About Arch Vista: ArchVista provides compassionate, evidence-based ...

HumanGood

Recreational Therapy Manager

Jenkintown, PA · On-site

The Recreational Therapy Manager leads recreation therapy and life enrichment services for skilled nursing, personal care, and short-term rehabilitation residents. Oversees the assessment, planning ...

HumanGood

Recreational Therapy Manager

Jenkintown, PA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Recreational Therapy Manager leads recreation therapy and life enrichment services for skilled nursing, personal care, and short-term rehabilitation residents. Oversees the assessment, planning ...

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$14

$35

$64

How much do recreational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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.
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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?

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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 Therapy Assistant

Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Philmont, NY

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Recreational Therapy Assistant

Day Shift, Alternate Weekends Required

Join the Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Team!

As a Recreational Therapy Assistant at Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, you will play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Our facility is dedicated to providing exceptional care and services to our patients, and we are seeking a compassionate and skilled individual to join our team.

About the Recreational Therapy Assistant Role:

As a Recreational Therapy Assistant, you will work under the guidance of a licensed therapist to plan, implement, and evaluate recreational therapy programs for our residents. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the design and implementation of recreational therapy programs that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being
• Leading and participating in recreational activities, such as arts and crafts, games, and exercise programs
• Documenting resident progress and program evaluations
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans
• Providing support and guidance to residents to achieve their therapeutic goals

Recreational Therapy Assistant Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred

  • Our ideal candidate is fun, independent, outgoing, and professional

About Us:

Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment that fosters growth, independence, and happiness for our residents. Our facility offers a range of services and amenities.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and are looking for a rewarding career opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role. Please submit your application today!