Recreational Therapist Salary in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $45,261 | -4.0% | Medium |
| Raleigh | $46,204 | -2.0% | Medium |
| Greensboro | $42,432 | -10.0% | Medium |
| Durham | $45,733 | -3.0% | Medium |
| Winston-Salem | $41,018 | -13.0% | Medium |
North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $47,147 per year, North Carolina's Recreational Therapist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.
The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $33,130–$40,292, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $56,406–$61,777.
Looking ahead, the Recreational Therapist profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Recreational Therapist salary in North Carolina?The average Recreational Therapist salary in North Carolina is $47,147 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $51,810.
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What city in North Carolina pays Recreational Therapists the most?Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is North Carolina a good state for Recreational Therapists?North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Recreational Therapist employment.
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How does North Carolina Recreational Therapist salary compare to the US average?At $47,147/year, North Carolina Recreational Therapist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $51,810/year.