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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Recreational Therapy Assistant in South Dakota is $61,355 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Recreational Therapy Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Recreational Therapy Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $66,961 | $5,580 | $1,288 | $32 |
| Average | $61,355 | $5,113 | $1,180 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,481 | $4,457 | $1,028 | $26 |
Avera Health - Aberdeen, SD
Reliant Rehabilitation - Woonsocket, SD
Avera Health - Aberdeen, SD
Blue Stone Therapy - Mitchell, SD
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 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 | $60,042 |
| Intermediate Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $60,589 |
| Senior Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $63,157 |
| Specialist Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $65,423 |
| Expert Level Recreational Therapy Assistant | $65,828 |
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:
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 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 | $70,558 | $34.0 | 15% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,961 | $5,580 | $1,288 | $32 |
| Average | $61,355 | $5,113 | $1,180 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,481 | $4,457 | $1,028 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Recreational Therapy Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
eZone Staffing LLC
Rapid City, SD
eZone Staffing LLC | Rapid City, SD
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Pierre, SD
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Avera Health
Mitchell, SD
Avera Health | Mitchell, SD
Avera Health - - Responsibilities: Provides input on evaluation as appropriate under supervision of a staff Occupational Therapist. Plans treatment program... more
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Triage Brand | Pierre, SD
Physical Therapy Assistant. Pierre, SD. $1191/Weekly Gross** Estimated pay package. Does not include taxes, insurance, or other deductions that may occur. ... more
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Aegis Therapies
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Pro Venture
Rapid City, SD
Pro Venture | Rapid City, SD
Travel PTA with Jackson Therapy Partners. Make a real difference as a travel PTA with Jackson Therapy Partners. You'll work with patients recovering from i... more
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