As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Children Therapist in the United States is $52,305 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Children Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Children Therapist'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 Children Therapist'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 Children Therapist | $52,890 |
| Intermediate Level Children Therapist | $53,241 |
| Senior Level Children Therapist | $54,434 |
| Specialist Level Children Therapist | $55,553 |
| Expert Level Children Therapist | $55,702 |
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 Children Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Written Communication | 5.28% |
| CPR | 6.47% |
| Case Management | 3.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$54,397 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$53,874 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$53,874 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$53,874 |
3%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$53,874 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$53,874 |
3%
|
For Children Therapist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Children Therapist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Children Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $67,996 | $33.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Children Therapists enter the field with a Associate'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 Children Therapist with a Associate's Degree is between $56,598 and $60,239).
Children Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.7% |
| High School | 2.7% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 60.5% |
| Masters | 31.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a Children Therapist'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Children Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $46,624 in 2023 to around $46,097 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Children Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $46,624 |
| 2024 | $46,648 |
| 2025 | $46,097 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Children Therapist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.)
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