📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Recreational Therapist Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$43,002
per year
Median
$41,840
per year
Hourly
$20.67
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$30,218
25th Percentile — Junior$36,750
50th Percentile — Median$41,840
75th Percentile — Senior$51,448
90th Percentile — Top Earners$56,346
💡 Top-earning Recreational Therapists in Arkansas make up to $56,346 per year. The job market in Arkansas is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$37.1k
2021
$38.2k
2022
$39.4k
2023
$40.5k
2024
$41.8k
2025
$43.0k
2026
📈 Recreational Therapist salaries in Arkansas have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Arkansas's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Recreational Therapist Salary by City in Arkansas
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Little Rock $35,692 -17.0% Medium
🔍
Recreational Therapist Job Market in Arkansas
Key factors affecting compensation

Arkansas is home to a moderate job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $43,002 per year, Arkansas's Recreational Therapist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Arkansas (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Arkansas can expect to earn $30,218–$36,750, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $51,448–$56,346.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Recreational Therapist salary in Arkansas is $43,002 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $51,810.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in Arkansas due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Arkansas has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Recreational Therapist employment.
  • At $43,002/year, Arkansas Recreational Therapist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $51,810/year.