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The differences between recreation therapists and therapeutic recreation specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a recreation therapist and a therapeutic recreation specialist. Additionally, a recreation therapist has an average salary of $55,992, which is higher than the $46,477 average annual salary of a therapeutic recreation specialist.
The top three skills for a recreation therapist include patients, CTRS and mental health. The most important skills for a therapeutic recreation specialist are patients, CTRS, and interdisciplinary.
| Recreation Therapist | Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $55,992 | $46,477 |
| Hourly rate | $26.92 | $22.34 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 54,263 | 38,571 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A Therapeutic Recreation Specialist treats people who are suffering from chronic disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. They often work in medical centers, hospitals, and private rehabilitation facilities.
Recreation therapists and therapeutic recreation specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Therapist | Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | |
| Average salary | $55,992 | $46,477 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $85,000 | Between $31,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Cottage Health | LCMC Health |
| Best paying industry | Education | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a recreation therapist and a therapeutic recreation specialist in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Therapist | Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 76% | Bachelor's Degree, 82% |
| Most common major | Rehabilitation Science | Rehabilitation Science |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between recreation therapists' and therapeutic recreation specialists' demographics:
| Recreation Therapist | Therapeutic Recreation Specialist | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 27.5% Female, 72.5% | Male, 18.9% Female, 81.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 9% | 9% |