As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Recreational Therapy Director in the United States is $91,856 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Recreational Therapy Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Recreational Therapy Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Recreational Therapy Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Recreational Therapy Director | $83,573 |
| Intermediate Level Recreational Therapy Director | $84,785 |
| Senior Level Recreational Therapy Director | $86,806 |
| Specialist Level Recreational Therapy Director | $88,826 |
| Expert Level Recreational Therapy Director | $92,403 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Recreational Therapy Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12.62% |
| Assisted Living | 0.97% |
| Quality Assurance | 0.73% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$97,367 |
6%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$96,449 |
5%
|
|
Coaching
|
$96,449 |
5%
|
|
Long Term Care
|
$95,530 |
4%
|
|
Planning
|
$95,530 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$95,530 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Recreational Therapy Directors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Recreational Therapy Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $101,844 and $119,738).
Recreational Therapy Director Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.5% |
| High School | 6.2% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 69.2% |
| Masters | 21.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Recreational Therapy Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Recreational Therapy Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $109,997 in 2023 to around $110,857 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Recreational Therapy Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $109,997 |
| 2024 | $111,288 |
| 2025 | $110,857 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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A Recreational Therapy Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Recreational Therapy Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Recreational Therapy Director is $115,858.
The highest pay for Recreational Therapy Director is $126,863.
The lowest pay for Recreational Therapy Director is $65,998.
Directs the programs and staff of the recreational therapy department including policies and procedures. Sets and implements guidelines for recreational therapy programs. Conducts patient programs in areas of social interaction, theater, games, crafts, and music. Communicates the results of patient care to other health services. May require an advanced degree. Typically reports to top management. May require professional certification. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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