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 Tennessee
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Recreational Therapists make in Tennessee?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,910
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.8% vs 2024
$55,030
Mean Salary
$51,910
Median Salary
$24.96
Hourly Rate
150 people work as Recreational Therapists in Tennessee
Recreational Therapists salary by percentile in Tennessee
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Recreational Therapists in Tennessee earn a median salary of $51,910 per year ($4,325/month).
This is 13.2% below the national average of $59,828.
Tennessee ranks #35 out of 48 states for Recreational Therapists pay.
Approximately 150 people work in this occupation across Tennessee.
Salaries increased by 2.8% 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 Tennessee
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in Tennessee range from $37,080 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $78,850 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,090 and $61,220.
Median $51,910
P10: $37,080P25: $48,090P75: $61,220P90: $78,850
10th
$37,080
25th
$48,090
Median
$51,910
75th
$61,220
90th
$78,850
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,080
$17.83
$3,090
25th Percentile
$48,090
$23.12
$4,007
Median (50th)
$51,910
$24.96
$4,325
75th Percentile
$61,220
$29.43
$5,101
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$78,850
$37.91
$6,570
Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,030 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Recreational Therapists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Recreational Therapists in Tennessee is $51,910 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,030.
What is the salary range for a Recreational Therapists in Tennessee?
Salaries for Recreational Therapists in Tennessee range from $37,080 at the 10th percentile to $78,850 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,090 and $61,220.
What is the starting salary for a Recreational Therapists in Tennessee?
Entry-level Recreational Therapists positions in Tennessee typically start around $37,080 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,090 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Recreational Therapists in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 150 people are employed as Recreational Therapists in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Recreational Therapists in Tennessee is approximately $24.96 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.