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Recreational Therapists Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Recreational Therapists make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$54,910
Median Annual Salary
▼
-13.7% vs 2024
$59,160
Mean Salary
$54,910
Median Salary
$26.40
Hourly Rate
440 people work as Recreational Therapists in Illinois
Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Recreational Therapists in Illinois earn a median salary of $54,910 per year ($4,575/month).
This is 8.2% below the national average of $59,828.
Illinois ranks #32 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay.
Approximately 440 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries decreased by 13.7% 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)
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in Illinois range from $40,560 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $86,190 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $49,700 and $65,120.
Median $54,910
P10: $40,560P25: $49,700P75: $65,120P90: $86,190
10th
$40,560
25th
$49,700
Median
$54,910
75th
$65,120
90th
$86,190
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$40,560
$19.50
$3,380
25th Percentile
$49,700
$23.89
$4,141
Median (50th)
$54,910
$26.40
$4,575
75th Percentile
$65,120
$31.31
$5,426
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$86,190
$41.44
$7,182
Note: The mean (average) salary of $59,160 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Recreational Therapists make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in Illinois is $54,910 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $59,160.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in Illinois?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in Illinois range from $40,560 at the 10th percentile to $86,190 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $49,700 and $65,120.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in Illinois?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in Illinois typically start around $40,560 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $49,700 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 440 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in Illinois is approximately $26.40 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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