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Recreational Therapists Salary in Iowa
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Recreational Therapists make in Iowa?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$56,140
Median Annual Salary
▲
+11.1% vs 2024
$59,030
Mean Salary
$56,140
Median Salary
$26.99
Hourly Rate
230 people work as Recreational Therapists in Iowa
Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in Iowa
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Recreational Therapists in Iowa earn a median salary of $56,140 per year ($4,678/month).
This is 6.2% below the national average of $59,828.
Iowa ranks #31 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay.
Approximately 230 people work in this occupation across Iowa.
Salaries increased by 11.1% 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 Iowa range from $43,580 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $81,970 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $50,910 and $64,290.
Median $56,140
P10: $43,580P25: $50,910P75: $64,290P90: $81,970
10th
$43,580
25th
$50,910
Median
$56,140
75th
$64,290
90th
$81,970
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$43,580
$20.95
$3,631
25th Percentile
$50,910
$24.48
$4,242
Median (50th)
$56,140
$26.99
$4,678
75th Percentile
$64,290
$30.91
$5,357
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$81,970
$39.41
$6,830
Note: The mean (average) salary of $59,030 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in Iowa is $56,140 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $59,030.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in Iowa?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in Iowa range from $43,580 at the 10th percentile to $81,970 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $50,910 and $64,290.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in Iowa?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in Iowa typically start around $43,580 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $50,910 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 230 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in Iowa is approximately $26.99 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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