Recreation Worker
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Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career
Recreational Therapist
Also called: Therapeutic Recreation Specialist · CTRS · Recreation Therapist · Activity Therapist
What recreational therapists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a recreational therapist do?
Recreational therapists plan and lead activities such as games, arts, sports and outings to help people with illnesses or disabilities improve their health and quality of life. The median pay is $61,960 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus internship, and employment is projected to grow +4.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$61,960$29.79/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.8%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years plus internshipTypical program length
- U.S. jobs15,600Employment, 2025
What recreational therapists do
Recreational therapists use activities as treatment. They assess patients, design programs using arts, music, sports, games and community outings, and help people rebuild physical, emotional and social skills after injuries, illnesses or disabilities. They work in hospitals, rehab centers, psychiatric facilities, long-term care and community programs.
Most recreational therapists have a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation and the CTRS credential. Some states license them.
Typical duties
- Assess patients’ needs and interests
- Plan therapeutic recreation programs
- Lead individual and group activities
- Adapt activities for abilities
- Track progress toward goals
- Coordinate community outings
- Document treatment
Work environment and schedule
Recreational therapists work in hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities and community programs.
Schedule: Most work full-time, sometimes evenings and weekends when patients are available.
A day in the life
- Review patient goals in team rounds.
- Lead adaptive sports with stroke patients.
- Run a music group on the psychiatric unit.
- Assess a new patient’s interests.
See a full day in the life of a recreational therapist →
Recreational Therapist salary
Half of recreational therapists earned more than $61,960 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $40,990 for the lowest 10% to $100,420 for the top 10%.
Full recreational therapist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a recreational therapist
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Complete an internship
- Pass the CTRS exam
- Get hired
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field is typical, plus an internship and the CTRS exam.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a recreational therapist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Therapeutic assessment
- Activity adaptation
- Group facilitation
- Treatment planning
- Documentation
People skills
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Enthusiasm
- Patience
All recreational therapist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative, meaningful therapy
- Variety of activities
- Part of healthcare teams
- Helping people find joy again
Cons
- Lower pay than some therapies
- Physical and emotional demands
- Documentation
- Limited awareness of the field
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS): NCTRC credential.
- State license: Required in a few states.
- CPR and first aid: Common requirement.
- Adaptive sports certifications: Training in specific adaptive sports.
Career path
- Recreational Therapy Intern: Gain clinical experience.
- Recreational Therapist: Provide therapy.
- Senior Therapist or Specialist: Specialize.
- Program Manager: Lead therapy programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Recreational Therapist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as adapt an activity for a patient and lead a therapeutic group, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Recreational Therapist vs. Recreation Worker · Recreational Therapist vs. PT Assistant · Recreational Therapist vs. Psych Tech · Recreational Therapist vs. Social Worker
Recreational Therapist FAQ
What’s the difference from a recreation worker?
Recreational therapists use activities as treatment with clinical goals.
Do I need certification?
Most employers want the CTRS.
Where do they work?
Hospitals, rehab, long-term care and community programs.
How much does a recreational therapist make?
The median annual wage for recreational therapists was $61,960 ($29.79 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $100,420.
How long does it take to become a recreational therapist?
Most people need about 4 years plus internship of training. A bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field is typical, plus an internship and the CTRS exam.
Do you need a degree to be a recreational therapist?
Yes, usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and most employers want the CTRS credential, which requires a degree and internship.
More recreational therapist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1125 (Recreational therapists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Recreational therapists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.