Recreational Therapists vs Physical Therapists salary

As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for Recreational Therapists is $53,900, compared to $92,920 for Physical Therapists. This shows that the pay for Physical Therapists is much higher than for Recreational Therapists.

However, it's important to note that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. For example, Recreational Therapists working in California (with a salary of $71,380 on average) may earn more than those in Kansas ($34,090). To provide another instance, Physical Therapists in Nevada have an average wage that is 28% higher than those in North Dakota.

Recreational Therapists vs Physical Therapists overview

Recreational Therapists and Physical Therapists are two important roles in the Hospitals industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries 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%). In terms of 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 increased 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%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been -3%.

Physical Therapist job description

Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Physical Therapist education and experience

About a half of Physical Therapists have obtained a Doctoral Degree, 38% hold a Master's Degree, and 8% have a Bachelor's Degree. Regarding experience, about a third of Physical Therapist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller portion of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Physical Therapist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 225,350 Physical Therapists employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned an average annual income of $92,920. The bottom 10 percent earned $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $127,110 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has grown by 1.4%.

Do Physical Therapists make good money?

Physical Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make about a third more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Physical Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Physical Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 2%. Job growth has averaged -0.4% over the past 3 years.

FAQ

Do Recreational Therapists or Physical Therapists make more?

Physical Therapists make 72% more than Recreational Therapists. The average annual pay for Recreational Therapists is $53,900, compared to $92,920 for Physical Therapists.

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

Becoming a Recreational Therapist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree. Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree usually takes around 4 years of study. In contrast, becoming a Physical Therapist typically requires a Doctoral Degree. Obtaining a Doctoral Degree usually takes between 4 years and 6 years of study. And, given that a Master's Degree is a prerequisite, the full educational process could take around 13 years to complete.

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

Becoming a Physical Therapist is much more difficult than becoming a Recreational Therapist, since it takes 9 more years of education.