Recreational Therapists Salary Trend (2011–2024)
Historical salary and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Median Salary in 2024
$60,280
↑ 46.8% since 2011
Median Salary Over Time
Recreational Therapists — Median Annual Salary
Employment Over Time
Recreational Therapists — Total Employment
Key Insights
📈Salaries grew 46.8% since 2011 ($41,060 → $60,280)
🏆Peak year: 2024 at $60,280
🦠COVID impact: Salary remained relatively stable (-1.1%) through the 2020 pandemic year.
💰After inflation (~3%/yr), real growth is approximately -0%
Year-by-Year Salary Data
| Year | Median Salary | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $60,280 | +5.5% |
| 2023 | $57,120 | +11.3% |
| 2022 | $51,330 | +7.1% |
| 2021 | $47,940 | +0.5% |
| 2020 | $47,710 | -1.1% |
| 2019 | $48,220 | +0.8% |
| 2018 | $47,860 | +0.4% |
| 2017 | $47,680 | +2.7% |
| 2016 | $46,410 | +1.1% |
| 2015 | $45,890 | +4.3% |
| 2014 | $44,000 | +1.9% |
| 2013 | $43,180 | +2.1% |
| 2012 | $42,280 | +3.0% |
| 2011 | $41,060 | — |
Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2011–2024. All figures are annual median wages in nominal dollars.