Recreational Therapists Salary in Texas
Recreational Therapists in Texas make a median of $54,190 a year, or about $26.05 an hour. The range runs from $34K at the entry level to $203K for experienced workers. Note: the mean (average) wage is $82K, significantly higher than the median. This typically reflects a mix of employment settings including academic and private practice positions.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Texas. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $54K get you in Texas?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Texas
Entry-level recreational therapists (10th percentile) start around $34K. Mid-career wages sit at $54K. Top earners bring in $203K or more, a $170K spread from bottom to top.
Recreational Therapists salary by metro in Texas
2 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $61K | +13% | 250 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $52K | -4% | 130 |
Compare to other states
Track recreational therapists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Texas numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do recreational therapists make in Texas?
The median is $54,190 a year, that works out to about $26 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $33,540, and experienced recreational therapists can clear $203,440. The mean (average) is $81,870, reflecting that some workers earn substantially more. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $54K enough to live in Texas?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,798/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,415/month, which eats 37.3% 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 Texas?
Texas 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 $59,231 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.