Recreational Therapists in Iowa
Considering working as a Recreational Therapists in Iowa? Below are the key facts. Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity. Excludes “Recreation Workers” (39-9032).
What do Recreational Therapists Make in Iowa?
The recreational therapists working in Iowa, the median annual wage is $50,520 per year (or about $24.29/hour).Pay can range from $41,400 at the 10th percentile to $81,880 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,400 | $19.91 |
| 25th percentile | $45,240 | $21.75 |
| Median (50th) | $50,520 | $24.29 |
| 75th percentile | $61,340 | $29.49 |
| 90th percentile | $81,880 | $39.37 |
The job concentration index in Iowa relative to the national average — is 1.75, suggesting that recreational therapists are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, recreational therapists earn a median of $150,116 per year ($72.17/hour), lower than the Iowa median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 2,485,050 recreational therapists nationwide. In Iowa alone, approximately 270 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 230 recreational therapists.
Top Iowa Metros for Recreational Therapists
These are the Iowa metros with the most recreational therapists in Iowa.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 60 | $53,660 |
| Iowa City, IA | 40 | $52,020 |
Top States for Recreational Therapists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most recreational therapists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 1,780 |
| New York | 1,310 |
| Texas | 1,030 |
| Pennsylvania | 750 |
| Kansas | 710 |
| Florida | 560 |
| Virginia | 560 |
| North Carolina | 480 |
| Michigan | 450 |
| Wisconsin | 430 |
| Nevada | 410 |
| Georgia | 410 |
| New Jersey | 360 |
| Maryland | 340 |
| Connecticut | 340 |
| Ohio | 310 |
| Illinois | 290 |
| Iowa | 270 |
| Massachusetts | 260 |
| Utah | 260 |
Highest-Paying States for Recreational Therapists
These states pay the most for recreational therapists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $96,530 |
| District of Columbia | $92,010 |
| Washington | $78,620 |
| Nevada | $77,450 |
| New Hampshire | $74,780 |
| Minnesota | $67,300 |
| New Jersey | $64,880 |
| Oregon | $64,000 |
| Illinois | $63,610 |
| New York | $63,520 |
Skills
Key recreational therapists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for recreational therapists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Instruct patient in activities and techniques, such as sports, dance, music, art, or relaxation techniques, designed to meet their specific physical or psychological needs.
- Conduct therapy sessions to improve patients' mental and physical well-being.
- Plan, organize, direct, and participate in treatment programs and activities to facilitate patients' rehabilitation, help them integrate into the community, and prevent further medical problems.
- Observe, analyze, and record patients' participation, reactions, and progress during treatment sessions, modifying treatment programs as needed.
- Develop treatment plan to meet needs of patient, based on needs assessment, patient interests, and objectives of therapy.
- Obtain information from medical records, medical staff, family members and the patients, themselves, to assess patients' capabilities, needs and interests.
- Confer with members of treatment team to plan and evaluate therapy programs.
- Counsel and encourage patients to develop leisure activities.
- Encourage clients with special needs and circumstances to acquire new skills and get involved in health-promoting leisure activities, such as sports, games, arts and crafts, and gardening.
- Prepare and submit reports and charts to treatment team to reflect patients' reactions and evidence of progress or regression.
- Develop discharge plans for patients.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Thinking Creatively
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Coaching and Developing Others
- Developing and Building Teams
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Rehabilitation Professions
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to recreational therapists include:
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Occupational Therapists
Also Known As
Activities Coordinator, Activities Therapist, Activity Therapist, Adventure Therapist, Certified Recreational Therapist, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Creative Arts Therapist, Dance Therapist, Drama Therapist, Ecotherapist, General Activities Therapist, Horticultural Therapist, Life Enrichment Coordinator (LEC), Lifestyle Director, Music Rehabilitation Therapist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 29-1125.00
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