📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Recreational Therapist Salary in Alabama (2026)

Alabama · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$45,075
per year
Median
$43,857
per year
Hourly
$21.67
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$31,675
25th Percentile — Junior$38,522
50th Percentile — Median$43,857
75th Percentile — Senior$53,927
90th Percentile — Top Earners$59,061
💡 Top-earning Recreational Therapists in Alabama make up to $59,061 per year. The job market in Alabama is rated moderate, with key industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$38.9k
2021
$40.0k
2022
$41.2k
2023
$42.5k
2024
$43.8k
2025
$45.1k
2026
📈 Recreational Therapist salaries in Alabama have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Alabama's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Recreational Therapist Salary by City in Alabama
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Huntsville $40,568 -10.0% Medium
Birmingham $38,764 -14.0% Medium
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Recreational Therapist Job Market in Alabama
Key factors affecting compensation

Alabama is home to a moderate job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $45,075 per year, Alabama's Recreational Therapist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Alabama (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Alabama can expect to earn $31,675–$38,522, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $53,927–$59,061.

Looking ahead, the Recreational Therapist profession in Alabama is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Recreational Therapist salary in Alabama is $45,075 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $51,810.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in Alabama due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Alabama has a moderate job market with major industries in Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Recreational Therapist employment.
  • At $45,075/year, Alabama Recreational Therapist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $51,810/year.