📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Recreational Therapist Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$45,593
per year
Median
$44,361
per year
Hourly
$21.92
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$32,038
25th Percentile — Junior$38,964
50th Percentile — Median$44,361
75th Percentile — Senior$54,547
90th Percentile — Top Earners$59,740
💡 Top-earning Recreational Therapists in South Carolina make up to $59,740 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$39.3k
2021
$40.5k
2022
$41.7k
2023
$43.0k
2024
$44.3k
2025
$45.6k
2026
📈 Recreational Therapist salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Recreational Therapist Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $45,593 +0% Medium
🔍
Recreational Therapist Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $45,593 per year, South Carolina's Recreational Therapist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $32,038–$38,964, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $54,547–$59,740.

Looking ahead, the Recreational Therapist profession in South Carolina 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
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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 South Carolina is $45,593 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $51,810.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Recreational Therapist employment.
  • At $45,593/year, South Carolina Recreational Therapist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $51,810/year.