As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Therapeutic Recreation Director in the United States is $90,715 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Therapeutic Recreation Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Therapeutic Recreation 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 Therapeutic Recreation 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 Therapeutic Recreation Director | $81,212 |
| Intermediate Level Therapeutic Recreation Director | $82,409 |
| Senior Level Therapeutic Recreation Director | $84,404 |
| Specialist Level Therapeutic Recreation Director | $86,399 |
| Expert Level Therapeutic Recreation Director | $89,920 |
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 Therapeutic Recreation 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
|
$96,158 |
6%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$95,251 |
5%
|
|
Coaching
|
$95,251 |
5%
|
|
Long Term Care
|
$94,344 |
4%
|
|
Planning
|
$94,344 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$94,344 |
4%
|
For Therapeutic Recreation Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Therapeutic Recreation Director positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Therapeutic Recreation Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $108,858 | $52.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Therapeutic Recreation 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 Therapeutic Recreation Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $101,844 and $119,738).
Therapeutic Recreation 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 Therapeutic Recreation 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Therapeutic Recreation Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $107,006 in 2023 to around $107,842 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Therapeutic Recreation Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $107,006 |
| 2024 | $108,261 |
| 2025 | $107,842 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Therapeutic Recreation Director roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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