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Recreational Therapists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Recreational Therapists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$98,170
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.7% vs 2024
$95,420
Mean Salary
$98,170
Median Salary
$47.20
Hourly Rate
1,920 people work as Recreational Therapists in California
Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Recreational Therapists in California earn a median salary of $98,170 per year ($8,180/month).
This is 64.1% above the national average of $59,828.
California ranks #1 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay.
Approximately 1,920 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: 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.
Top Skills
Service Orientation
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Social Perceptiveness
4.0
Coordination
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Psychology
4.55
Therapy and Counseling
4.53
Customer and Personal Service
4.42
Education and Training
4.16
English Language
4.08
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(91.9% of workers)
Salary Range: Recreational Therapists in California
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in California range from $60,940 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $115,370 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $79,820 and $107,830.
How much do Recreational Therapists make in California?
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in California is $98,170 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $95,420.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in California?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in California range from $60,940 at the 10th percentile to $115,370 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $79,820 and $107,830.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in California?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in California typically start around $60,940 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $79,820 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,920 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in California is approximately $47.20 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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