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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Recreation Therapist in Texas is $63,651 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.
However, a Recreation Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Recreation Therapist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $69,467 | $5,789 | $1,336 | $33 |
| Average | $63,651 | $5,304 | $1,224 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,482 | $4,624 | $1,067 | $27 |
Community Health and Wellness LLC - Temple, TX
Community Health and Wellness LLC - Boerne, TX
Community Health and Wellness LLC - Austin, TX
US Government Jobs - Amarillo, TX
A Recreation 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Recreation 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 Recreation Therapist | $62,290 |
| Intermediate Level Recreation Therapist | $62,857 |
| Senior Level Recreation Therapist | $65,521 |
| Specialist Level Recreation Therapist | $67,872 |
| Expert Level Recreation Therapist | $68,292 |
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 Recreation Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Recreation Therapist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Recreation Therapist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Recreation Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $73,199 | $35.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Recreation 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $69,467 | $5,789 | $1,336 | $33 |
| Average | $63,651 | $5,304 | $1,224 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,482 | $4,624 | $1,067 | $27 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Recreation Therapist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Amarillo, TX
US Department of Veterans Affairs | Amarillo, TX
Job Title. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applica... more
6 Days Ago
Nexus Health Systems
Spring, TX
Nexus Health Systems | Spring, TX
Certified Recreational Therapist. Nexus Children's Hospital Shenandoah is seeking a Certified Recreational Therapist (CTRS) with experience working with ch... more
6 Days Ago
Universal Health Services
Houston, TX
Universal Health Services | Houston, TX
Recreation Therapist. West Oaks Hospital has provided psychiatric care to the Houston area and surrounding communities for over four decades. Our 176-bed a... more
3 Days Ago
Universal Health Services
Arlington, TX
Universal Health Services | Arlington, TX
PRN Recreation/Activity Therapy Counselor. Millwood Hospital (a UHS affiliated hospital) is a 134-bed mental health facility that provides inpatient and ou... more
4 Days Ago
Universal Health Services
Houston, TX
Universal Health Services | Houston, TX
PRN Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Cypress Creek Hospital is a free-standing 128-bed, acute care psychiatric hospital located in north Housto... more
4 Days Ago
Universal Health Services
Austin, TX
Universal Health Services | Austin, TX
Recreation Therapist Position. Meridell Achievement Center is a 132-bed, seclusion free, psychiatric residential treatment facility located northwest of Au... more
6 Days Ago
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