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Job outlook for therapeutic recreation specialists in the United States
Are therapeutic recreation specialist jobs in demand?
Therapeutic recreation specialist job and salary trends over time
Therapeutic recreation specialist jobs over time
Therapeutic recreation specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,847 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,366 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,197 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,159 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,100 | 0.00% |
Average therapeutic recreation specialist salary over time
Therapeutic recreation specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,477 | $22.34 | --1.1% |
| 2024 | $46,973 | $22.58 | +0.8% |
| 2023 | $46,623 | $22.41 | +0.4% |
| 2022 | $46,447 | $22.33 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $45,210 | $21.74 | +1.1% |
Therapeutic recreation specialist jobs by state
Most common states for therapeutic recreation specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 72 | 10% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 68 | 9% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 240 | 8% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 63 | 7% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 52 | 7% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 388 | 6% |
| 8 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 117 | 6% |
| 9 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 80 | 6% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 498 | 5% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 401 | 5% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 318 | 5% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 274 | 5% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 163 | 5% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 135 | 5% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 30 | 5% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 455 | 4% |
| 18 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 246 | 4% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 151 | 4% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 74 | 4% |
Most common cities for therapeutic recreation specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henderson | 1 | 3% | $36,769 |
| 2 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $41,061 |
| 3 | San Ramon | 1 | 1% | $62,541 |
| 4 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $38,060 |
| 5 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $53,556 |
| 6 | New Orleans | 1 | 0% | $42,063 |
| 7 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $63,051 |
| 8 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $62,684 |
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of therapeutic recreation specialist experts
University of Toledo
University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
Eastern Kentucky University
Holly Eichner Ph.D.
Program DirectorUniversity of Toledo
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What general advice would you give to a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist?
Holly Eichner Ph.D.: In the field of Recreational Therapy, diversity, creativity, and flexibility are essential. When working in healthcare and helping professions individuals need to remember we are working with people who are more than their diagnosis, they come to us with a variety of life experiences. Increasing your awareness of how the social determinants of health impact health outcomes can help you negotiate barriers that could inhibit the healing process.
What Therapeutic Recreation Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holly Eichner Ph.D.: Do not be afraid to negotiate and do your research. Understand the market and the area you are applying to as well as what other Recreational Therapists are making. Some employers pay better than others, so if salary is important seek out those areas of practice. Also ask about the growth potential of the position. Many healthcare systems offer step increases or raises as well as a variety of benefits that you should consider in your decision.
What will help Therapeutic Recreation Specialists increase their earning potential?
Holly Eichner Ph.D.: Take every opportunity for mentorship and learning that is made available to you. Your education does not end at graduation. Network through professional organizations, conferences, and alumni events. There is a lot left to learn and engaging with Recreational Therapist who have been in the field for 5, 10, or 25 years can offer you insights and connections that can be invaluable on our career journey.
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate ProfessorUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Recreation Management & Policy
What skills will help Therapeutic Recreation Specialists earn the most?
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.: One of the emerging trends that we are seeing is comfortability with data analysis - particularly having the skill set to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data, and to make decisions based on that analysis. Those with the skills to analyze large-scale park usage data, for instance, can help drive decisions and set policy regarding pricing, maintenance, staffing, and transportation, among others. Being comfortable working with and managing data can be a difference-maker.
Jayson Seaman
Associate Professor of Outdoor Leadership and ManagementUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Recreation Management and Policy
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Therapeutic Recreation Specialists?
Jayson Seaman: I am on the outdoor leadership side of the field where wilderness medical training is important as are other activity- or discipline-specific certifications from groups like the American Canoe Association (paddlesports) and the American Mountain Guides Association (alpine and rock climbing). Job candidates should be sure to pursue certification through reputable, national bodies and associations.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Therapeutic Recreation Specialists?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact upon outdoor recreation both in the United States and worldwide. In the decades leading up to the pandemic, outdoor recreation visitation had consistently and incrementally increased across local, state, and federal parks and protected areas. Adding fuel to this visitation fire, the pandemic has caused dramatic and abrupt increases in visitation across an already overwhelmed parks and protected areas system. This explosion in interest in parks and protected areas has created both benefits and challenges for the visitors, communities, stakeholder, and managers who are dependent upon the outdoor recreation industry. Moreover, the pandemic has open myriad opportunities for students graduating with a degree in Recreation Management and Policy. Now more than ever, parks and protected areas at the local, state, federal, private, and non-profit levels are demanding an educated and skilled workforce to manage and protect these resources while simultaneously providing high-quality outdoor recreation experiences.
Dr. Jon McChesney
Department Chair & Graduate CoordinatorEastern Kentucky University
Department of Recreation & Park Administration
What type of skills will young Therapeutic Recreation Specialists need?
Dr. Jon McChesney: Recreation is at the core of a social profession, thus demanding the need for social intelligence and a relationship orientation for graduates. The need for connection is perhaps greater than at any time in our history, given the loneliness epidemic, the increase in depression, and suicide. Professionals need to be mindful of the issues facing our country and demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for diversity and cultural agility. Creativity, innovation, and adaptability to change will continue to be important as recreation is forced to evolve in a Covid-19 world and beyond.