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Recreational Therapists Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Recreational Therapists make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$46,850
Median Annual Salary
$53,620
Mean Salary
$46,850
Median Salary
$22.52
Hourly Rate
40 people work as Recreational Therapists in South Dakota
Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Recreational Therapists in South Dakota earn a median salary of $46,850 per year ($3,904/month).
This is 21.7% below the national average of $59,828.
South Dakota ranks #45 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay.
Approximately 40 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
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 South Dakota
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in South Dakota range from $41,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $83,780 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $42,130 and $60,000.
Median $46,850
P10: $41,390P25: $42,130P75: $60,000P90: $83,780
10th
$41,390
25th
$42,130
Median
$46,850
75th
$60,000
90th
$83,780
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$41,390
$19.90
$3,449
25th Percentile
$42,130
$20.25
$3,510
Median (50th)
$46,850
$22.52
$3,904
75th Percentile
$60,000
$28.85
$5,000
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$83,780
$40.28
$6,981
Note: The mean (average) salary of $53,620 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Recreational Therapists make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in South Dakota is $46,850 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $53,620.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in South Dakota?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in South Dakota range from $41,390 at the 10th percentile to $83,780 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $42,130 and $60,000.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in South Dakota?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in South Dakota typically start around $41,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $42,130 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 40 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in South Dakota is approximately $22.52 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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