Recreational Therapists Salary in Iowa
Recreational Therapists in Iowa make a median of $50,520 a year, or about $24.29 an hour. The range runs from $41K at the entry level to $82K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Iowa. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $51K get you in Iowa?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level recreational therapists (10th percentile) start around $41K. Mid-career wages sit at $51K. Top earners bring in $82K or more, a $40K spread from bottom to top.
Recreational Therapists salary by metro in Iowa
2 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $54K | +6% | 60 |
| Iowa City | $52K | +3% | 40 |
Compare to other states
Track recreational therapists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
Related careers in Healthcare
Frequently asked questions
How much do recreational therapists make in Iowa?
The median is $50,520 a year, that works out to about $24 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $41,400, and experienced recreational therapists can clear $81,880. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $51K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,348/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,064/month, which eats 31.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a recreational therapists salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median recreational therapists salary is worth about $56,853 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do recreational therapists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.