Recreational Therapists in Washington
Want to work as a Recreational Therapists in Washington? Here’s what you need to know. 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 Washington?
For recreational therapists working in Washington, the median annual wage is $78,620 per year (or about $37.80/hour).Annual wages span from $60,920 at the 10th percentile to $104,070 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,920 | $29.29 |
| 25th percentile | $64,730 | $31.12 |
| Median (50th) | $78,620 | $37.80 |
| 75th percentile | $89,360 | $42.96 |
| 90th percentile | $104,070 | $50.03 |
The job concentration index in Washington compared to the national average — is 0.56, suggesting fewer recreational therapists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, recreational therapists earn a median of $150,116 per year ($72.17/hour), lower than the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 2,485,050 recreational therapists in the U.S.. In Washington alone, approximately 200 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 230 recreational therapists.
Top Washington Metros for Recreational Therapists
These are the Washington metros with the most recreational therapists in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 110 | $80,280 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 40 | $64,100 |
Top States for Recreational Therapists Employment
View the states that employ 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
The highest-paying states 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
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for recreational therapists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Recreational Therapists typically:
- 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
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Rehabilitation Professions
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like 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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