Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Recreational Therapists Salary in New York
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Recreational Therapists make in New York?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$65,520
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.1% vs 2024
$68,960
Mean Salary
$65,520
Median Salary
$31.50
Hourly Rate
1,230 people work as Recreational Therapists in New York
Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in New York
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Recreational Therapists in New York earn a median salary of $65,520 per year ($5,460/month).
This is 9.5% above the national average of $59,828.
New York ranks #9 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay.
Approximately 1,230 people work in this occupation across New York.
Salaries increased by 3.1% 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 New York range from $49,940 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $91,370 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $57,980 and $78,180.
Median $65,520
P10: $49,940P25: $57,980P75: $78,180P90: $91,370
10th
$49,940
25th
$57,980
Median
$65,520
75th
$78,180
90th
$91,370
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$49,940
$24.01
$4,161
25th Percentile
$57,980
$27.88
$4,831
Median (50th)
$65,520
$31.50
$5,460
75th Percentile
$78,180
$37.59
$6,515
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$91,370
$43.93
$7,614
Note: The mean (average) salary of $68,960 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Recreational Therapists make in New York?
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in New York is $65,520 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $68,960.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in New York?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in New York range from $49,940 at the 10th percentile to $91,370 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $57,980 and $78,180.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in New York?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in New York typically start around $49,940 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $57,980 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in New York?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,230 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in New York.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in New York?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in New York is approximately $31.50 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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.