📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Recreational Therapist Salary in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi · 20.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$41,448
per year
Median
$40,328
per year
Hourly
$19.93
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$29,126
25th Percentile — Junior$35,422
50th Percentile — Median$40,328
75th Percentile — Senior$49,588
90th Percentile — Top Earners$54,309
💡 Top-earning Recreational Therapists in Mississippi make up to $54,309 per year. The job market in Mississippi is rated low, with key industries including Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$35.8k
2021
$36.8k
2022
$37.9k
2023
$39.1k
2024
$40.2k
2025
$41.4k
2026
📈 Recreational Therapist salaries in Mississippi have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Mississippi's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Recreational Therapist Salary by City in Mississippi
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $41,448 +0% Medium
🔍
Recreational Therapist Job Market in Mississippi
Key factors affecting compensation

Mississippi is home to a low job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $41,448 per year, Mississippi's Recreational Therapist salaries are 20.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Mississippi (index: 0.8) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Mississippi can expect to earn $29,126–$35,422, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $49,588–$54,309.

Looking ahead, the Recreational Therapist profession in Mississippi 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 Mississippi is $41,448 per year in 2026, which is 20.0% below the national average of $51,810.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in Mississippi due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Mississippi has a low job market with major industries in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare. Opportunities exist in for Recreational Therapist employment.
  • At $41,448/year, Mississippi Recreational Therapist salaries are 20.0% lower than the national average of $51,810/year.