Recreational Therapists vs Occupational Therapists salary

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay for Recreational Therapists is $53,900, compared to the average annual salary of $89,470 for Occupational Therapists. This indicates that Recreational Therapists earn a significantly lower salary than Occupational Therapists.

However, it's important to note that the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. For example, Recreational Therapists who work in California (with an average salary of $71,380) may earn more than those who work in Kansas ($34,090). To provide another example, the average salary of Occupational Therapists in Nevada is 53% higher than those in North Dakota.

Recreational Therapists vs Occupational Therapists overview

Recreational Therapists and Occupational Therapists are fundamental to the Hospitals industry. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Recreational Therapist job description

Recreational Therapists plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.

Recreational Therapist education and experience

In order to become a Recreational Therapist, a person typically must obtain a Bachelor's Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (5%). Regarding experience, about a third of Recreational Therapist jobs require a 6 months to 1 year of experience in the field. A smaller part of jobs (32%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Recreational Therapist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 16,980 Recreational Therapists employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned a mean annual income of $53,900. The bottom 10 percent earned $31,710 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $80,610 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has risen by 5.2%.

Do Recreational Therapists make good money?

Recreational Therapists are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 7% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn about a quarter less than the average pay of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

Recreational Therapists are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 7% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Recreational Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 3,100 less Recreational Therapist roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 15.4%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -3%.

Occupational Therapist job description

Occupational Therapists assess, plan, and organize rehabilitative programs that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills, as well as general independence, to persons with disabilities or developmental delays. Use therapeutic techniques, adapt the individual’s environment, teach skills, and modify specific tasks that present barriers to the individual.

Occupational Therapist education and experience

To become an Occupational Therapist, an individual usually must obtain a Master's Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Bachelor's Degree (14%). Regarding experience, 36% of Occupational Therapist occupations require a 6 months to 1 year of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (27%) require no previous experience.

Occupational Therapist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 127,830 Occupational Therapists employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned an average annual income of $89,470. The bottom 10 percent earned $60,680 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $123,840 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 2.3%.

Do Occupational Therapists make good money?

Occupational Therapists generally earn good salaries, since their mean salary is about a half above the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 27% more than the mean earnings of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Occupational Therapists generally earn good salaries, since their mean salary is about a half above the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

FAQ

Do Recreational Therapists or Occupational Therapists make more?

Occupational Therapists earn 66% more than Recreational Therapists. Recreational Therapists average around $53,900 per year, while Occupational Therapists make $89,470 per year.

How long does it take to become a Recreational Therapist vs Occupational Therapist?

Recreational Therapists generally need a Bachelor's Degree. It most often takes around 4 years to obtain a Bachelor's Degree. While on the other hand, Occupational Therapists generally need a Master's Degree. It most often takes between 2 years and 3 years to obtain a Master's Degree. But, considering that a Bachelor's Degree must be obtained first, it may take around 7 years to complete the full educational program.

Is it harder to become a Recreational Therapist vs Occupational Therapist?

Becoming an Occupational Therapist is considerably harder than becoming a Recreational Therapist, since an additional 3 years of education are necessary.