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Recreational Therapists Salary in District of Columbia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Recreational Therapists make in District of Columbia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$95,640
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.9% vs 2024
$88,060
Mean Salary
$95,640
Median Salary
$45.98
Hourly Rate
50 people work as Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia

Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in District of Columbia

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Recreational Therapists salary in District of Columbia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $50,840$50,84025th25% earn less than $60,600$60,600MedianHalf earn more than $95,640$95,64075th75% earn less than $109,970$109,97090thTop 10% earn more than $118,340$118,340

Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $95,640 per year ($7,970/month). This is 59.9% above the national average of $59,828. District of Columbia ranks #2 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay. Approximately 50 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia. Salaries increased by 3.9% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia

Salaries for Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia range from $50,840 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $118,340 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $60,600 and $109,970.

Median $95,640
P10: $50,840 P25: $60,600 P75: $109,970 P90: $118,340
10th
$50,840
25th
$60,600
Median
$95,640
75th
$109,970
90th
$118,340
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $50,840 $24.44 $4,236
25th Percentile $60,600 $29.13 $5,050
Median (50th) $95,640 $45.98 $7,970
75th Percentile $109,970 $52.87 $9,164
90th Percentile (Experienced) $118,340 $56.89 $9,861

Note: The mean (average) salary of $88,060 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#2
District of Columbia ranks #2 of 48 states
$59,828
National avg. for Recreational Therapists
+59.9%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Recreational Therapists salary in District of Columbia adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Recreational Therapists take-home pay in District of Columbia after taxes →

Explore Recreational Therapists Data in District of Columbia

Recreational Therapists Salary by State

Compare Recreational Therapists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Recreational Therapists make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia is $95,640 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $88,060.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia range from $50,840 at the 10th percentile to $118,340 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $60,600 and $109,970.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in District of Columbia typically start around $50,840 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $60,600 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 50 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in District of Columbia is approximately $45.98 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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