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The differences between recreation assistants and recreation therapists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a recreation assistant, becoming a recreation therapist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a recreation therapist has an average salary of $55,992, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.
The top three skills for a recreation assistant include customer service, MDS and recreation programs. The most important skills for a recreation therapist are patients, CTRS, and mental health.
| Recreation Assistant | Recreation Therapist | |
| Yearly salary | $31,040 | $55,992 |
| Hourly rate | $14.92 | $26.92 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 4,088 | 54,263 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A recreational assistant is responsible for performing administrative support tasks while under the supervision of a recreational manager. Their duties revolve around planning various activities that align with the company's vision and mission, such as sporting events and other fun games. They also participate in arranging equipment and supplies such as tables and stages, facilitating programs, securing necessary permits and documentation, responding to calls and inquiries, and assisting participants. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all workers and adhere to company policies and regulations.
A recreation therapist is responsible for supporting the patients' physical and mental wellness by organizing therapeutic programs and activities, depending on the patients' condition and existing treatment plans. Recreation therapists work with other medical health professionals for advice and medication needs. They also track the patients' progress, maintain a medical chart, and report any updates to the physicians and patients' family members. A recreation therapist manages the resources and materials for the activities and ensures the safety and security of the participants.
Recreation assistants and recreation therapists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Assistant | Recreation Therapist | |
| Average salary | $31,040 | $55,992 |
| Salary range | Between $20,000 And $46,000 | Between $36,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | Barnstable Town, MA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | West Virginia | California |
| Best paying company | National Park Foundation | Cottage Health |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation assistant and a recreation therapist in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Assistant | Recreation Therapist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Business | Rehabilitation Science |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between recreation assistants' and recreation therapists' demographics:
| Recreation Assistant | Recreation Therapist | |
| Average age | 42 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% | Male, 27.5% Female, 72.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 3.3% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 9% |