Recreational Therapist salary in Illinois
What recreational therapists earn in Illinois and its metro areas, compared with the rest of the country.
Median pay$54,910$26.40 per hour
vs U.S.−11%U.S. median $61,960
Middle half earn$49,700 – $65,120Top 10%: $86,190+
Jobs4400.75× the U.S. concentration
Recreational Therapist pay in Illinois cities
Metro areas as BLS defines them. Click a column to sort.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $54,460 | $26.18 | 340 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $62,810 | $30.20 | 60 |
Hospitals and jobs in Illinois
Recreational Therapist pay in similar states
Other healthcare salaries in Illinois
Registered Nurses · $95,990 Home Health and Personal Care Aides · $38,060 Nursing Assistants · $45,960 Pharmacy Technicians · $46,650 Physicians, All Other · $132,540 Medical Assistants · $46,090 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses · $75,000 Dental Assistants · $48,610 Pharmacists · $139,080 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians · $71,950 Physical Therapists · $105,250 Psychiatric Technicians · $46,200
Questions
How much does a recreational therapist make in Illinois?
Recreational Therapists in Illinois earned a median of $54,910 a year ($26.40 an hour) in May 2025, 11% less than the national median of $61,960. The middle half earned $49,700 to $65,120.
Where in Illinois do recreational therapists earn the most?
Among areas in Illinois, pay was highest in St. Louis, MO-IL at $62,810.
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.