As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Recreational Therapy Assistant in the United States is $67,512 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Recreational Therapy Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Recreational Therapy Assistant'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 Assistant'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 Assistant | $66,068 |
| Intermediate Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $66,669 |
| Senior Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $69,495 |
| Specialist Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $71,989 |
| Expert Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $72,434 |
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 Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 10.3% |
| First Aid | 2.94% |
| Discharge Planning | 1.57% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dialysis
|
$71,562 |
6%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$70,887 |
5%
|
|
Group Therapy
|
$70,212 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$70,212 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$70,212 |
4%
|
|
Coordination
|
$70,212 |
4%
|
For Recreational Therapy Assistant 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, Recreational Therapy Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Recreational Therapy Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $77,638 | $37.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Recreational Therapy Assistants 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 Assistant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $61,034 and $64,817).
Recreational Therapy Assistant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.0% |
| High School | 6.0% |
| Associates | 3.7% |
| Bachelors | 69.8% |
| Masters | 19.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Recreational Therapy Assistant'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 Recreational Therapy Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $114,584 in 2023 to around $114,142 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Recreational Therapy Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $114,584 |
| 2024 | $115,971 |
| 2025 | $114,142 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Recreational Therapy Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 15% 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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