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Recreational Therapists Salary in North Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Recreational Therapists make in North Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,030
Median Annual Salary
▲
+5.0% vs 2024
$55,950
Mean Salary
$51,030
Median Salary
$24.53
Hourly Rate
440 people work as Recreational Therapists in North Carolina
Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in North Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Recreational Therapists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $51,030 per year ($4,252/month).
This is 14.7% below the national average of $59,828.
North Carolina ranks #39 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay.
Approximately 440 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.
Salaries increased by 5.0% 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 North Carolina
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in North Carolina range from $41,490 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $78,340 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,950 and $63,860.
Median $51,030
P10: $41,490P25: $45,950P75: $63,860P90: $78,340
10th
$41,490
25th
$45,950
Median
$51,030
75th
$63,860
90th
$78,340
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$41,490
$19.95
$3,457
25th Percentile
$45,950
$22.09
$3,829
Median (50th)
$51,030
$24.53
$4,252
75th Percentile
$63,860
$30.70
$5,321
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$78,340
$37.66
$6,528
Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,950 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Recreational Therapists make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in North Carolina is $51,030 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,950.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in North Carolina?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in North Carolina range from $41,490 at the 10th percentile to $78,340 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,950 and $63,860.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in North Carolina?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in North Carolina typically start around $41,490 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,950 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 440 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in North Carolina is approximately $24.53 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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