Recreational Therapist salary in California
What recreational therapists earn in California and its metro areas, compared with the rest of the country.
Median pay$98,170$47.20 per hour
vs U.S.+58%U.S. median $61,960
Middle half earn$79,820 – $107,830Top 10%: $115,370+
Jobs1,9201.10× the U.S. concentration
Recreational Therapist pay in California cities
Metro areas as BLS defines them. Click a column to sort.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $91,740 | $44.11 | 380 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $98,120 | $47.17 | 340 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $102,420 | $49.24 | 190 |
| Fresno, CA | $98,160 | $47.19 | 150 |
| Napa, CA | $107,810 | $51.83 | 150 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $91,790 | $44.13 | 90 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $98,530 | $47.37 | 90 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $101,670 | $48.88 | 60 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $115,330 | $55.45 | 50 |
| Vallejo, CA | $115,330 | $55.45 | 50 |
Hospitals and jobs in California
Recreational Therapist pay in similar states
New Hampshire · $82,280 Nevada · $78,730 Washington · $77,860 Minnesota · $76,360 Colorado · $66,580 Oregon · $66,530
Other healthcare salaries in California
Home Health and Personal Care Aides · $34,320 Registered Nurses · $140,270 Medical Assistants · $49,660 Nursing Assistants · $47,630 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses · $79,750 Dental Assistants · $50,110 Pharmacy Technicians · $55,110 Pharmacists · $164,610 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians · $76,010 Physical Therapists · $124,190 Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other · $60,390 Physicians, All Other · $281,590
Questions
How much does a recreational therapist make in California?
Recreational Therapists in California earned a median of $98,170 a year ($47.20 an hour) in May 2025, 58% more than the national median of $61,960. The middle half earned $79,820 to $107,830.
Where in California do recreational therapists earn the most?
Among areas in California, pay was highest in Stockton-Lodi, CA at $115,330.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, all industries. Pay doesn't reflect cost of living, overtime or shift differentials.