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If you’re looking for new Recreation Therapist (RT) openings, start with our job search above. Preferred has relationships with many client facilities, and providing us access to a variety of locations and settings. If you are ready to speak with a recruiter, apply today and someone will follow up with you shortly.

Recreation Therapist Job Description

Recreation Therapists (RTs), also known as Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, help patients restore, maintain, and improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being through structured recreation and leisure activities. By designing individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s interests, rec therapists use games, sports, music, art, drama, and outdoor activities as powerful tools to enhance quality of life and promote recovery.

Recreation therapists work closely with other healthcare professionals (such as physical, occupational, and speech therapists) to create holistic rehabilitation programs that motivate patients to engage actively in their own healing process.

Key Responsibilities for Recreation Therapists:

• Assess patients’ needs, abilities, and interests through observation and medical history.
• Develop customized recreation-based treatment plans that align with therapeutic goals.
• Lead group and individual therapy sessions that incorporate creative, social, and physical activities.
• Track progress and adjust treatment plans to ensure ongoing improvement.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support patient-centered care.
• Educate patients and families on the benefits of recreational activities and ongoing participation post-treatment.

Recreation Therapist Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of recreation therapists is projected to grow approximately 5–7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by:

• The increasing need for rehabilitation services among older adults.
• The rise in chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges.
• Greater recognition of the role therapeutic recreation plays in recovery and long-term wellness.

Rec therapists are employed in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation centers
• Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
• Behavioral health programs
• Schools and community programs
• Veterans’ hospitals and military healthcare systems

Recreation Therapist Salary Information

As of May 2024, the median annual wage for recreation therapists was approximately $55,000, according to the BLS. Salaries vary by region, experience, and work environment. RTs working in government or hospital settings tend to earn higher-than-average wages.

Average RT Annual Salary by Work Setting:

• Government: $63,000
• Hospitals (state, local, and private): $56,000
• Ambulatory healthcare services: $51,000
• Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing): $45,000
• Social assistance/community programs: $44,000

Rec therapists with advanced certifications, management roles, or experience in specialized rehabilitation programs may earn salaries in the $70,000+ range.

Education, Certification, and Licensure

Most recreation therapists hold a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation, which includes coursework in anatomy, psychology, kinesiology, and therapy modalities. Many employers prefer or require certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), which awards the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential.

Some states require additional licensure for recreation therapists, so professionals should verify local requirements before practicing.

Recreation Therapist Specializations

Recreation therapists can enhance their careers and impact by pursuing specialized areas of practice. According to Rec Therapy Today and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), common areas of specialization include:

• Adaptive Sports & Recreation – Designing inclusive sports programs for individuals with physical disabilities.
• Behavioral Health – Supporting patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders through creative activities.
• Community Inclusion Services – Promoting social participation and integration for people with disabilities.
• Developmental Disabilities – Helping individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities build life and social skills.
• Geriatrics – Enhancing quality of life for older adults through cognitive and physical engagement.
• Pediatrics – Using play-based therapies to help children develop social, emotional, and motor skills.
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation – Assisting patients recovering from injury, surgery, or illness regain independence.

 

If you would like more information about recreation therapy jobs or are ready get started, Preferred can help. Apply today and get connected with the right assignment for you.