🏥 Healthcare
↑ 3% growth · Average
Recreational Therapist (CTRS)
Recreational therapists use art, music, sports, games, and outdoor activities as therapeutic tools to improve patients' physical and mental health. It's one of the most creative roles in healthcare.
$50,180
Median Salary
19K
US Jobs
4 years
Training
$15,000–$50,000
Typical Cost
💰 Salary & Earning Potential
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.
📈 Job Outlook
3%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
19K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
CTRS
Required Credential
CTRS (NCTRC Certification)
🎓 Training & Education
Typical Program
BS in Therapeutic Recreation
Program Length
4 years
Typical Tuition
$15,000–$50,000
Work Setting
Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, community programs
🏆 Credential Required: CTRS (NCTRC Certification)
☀️ Day in the Life
A typical day as a Recreational Therapist (CTRS) involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Hospitals environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✅ Strong job security
- ✅ Rewarding work
- ✅ Clear career progression
- ✅ Growing demand
Challenges
- ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
- ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
- ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region
🗺️ Recreational Therapist (CTRS) by State
See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:
FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC