Recreational Therapists Salary in California
Recreational Therapists in California earn a median of $98,170 a year, +58% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $98,170
- vs. U.S. median
- +58% ($61,960)
- Rank among states
- 1 of 48
- Jobs in the state
- 1,920
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $60,940; the top 10% earn over $115,370. Nationally the range is $40,990 to $100,420.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Healthcare Social Workers$89,660 median in California
- Occupational Therapists$124,510 median in California
- Psychiatric Technicians$49,140 median in California
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$79,000 median in California
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$59,550 median in California
- Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists$124,510 median in California (broader BLS group)
Recreational Therapists pay in California
How much do recreational therapists make in California?
The median is $98,170 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $60,940 and the top 10% earn over $115,370. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for recreational therapists?
On pay alone it ranks 1 of 48 (+58% vs. the national median of $61,960). Living costs are not included.