📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Recreational Therapist Salary in Texas (2026)

Texas · 5.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$49,220
per year
Median
$47,890
per year
Hourly
$23.66
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$34,587
25th Percentile — Junior$42,064
50th Percentile — Median$47,890
75th Percentile — Senior$58,885
90th Percentile — Top Earners$64,492
💡 Top-earning Recreational Therapists in Texas make up to $64,492 per year. The job market in Texas is rated strong, with key industries including Energy, Technology, Healthcare.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$42.5k
2021
$43.7k
2022
$45.0k
2023
$46.4k
2024
$47.8k
2025
$49.2k
2026
📈 Recreational Therapist salaries in Texas have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Texas's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Recreational Therapist Salary by City in Texas
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Houston $47,743 -3.0% Medium
San Antonio $44,298 -10.0% Medium
Dallas $48,728 -1.0% Medium
Austin $53,158 +8.0% Medium
Fort Worth $47,251 -4.0% Medium
El Paso $40,360 -18.0% Medium
Arlington $47,743 -3.0% Medium
Corpus Christi $42,821 -13.0% Medium
Plano $50,204 +2.0% Medium
Laredo $39,376 -20.0% Medium
Lubbock $40,360 -18.0% Medium
Garland $46,759 -5.0% Medium
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Recreational Therapist Job Market in Texas
Key factors affecting compensation

Texas is home to a strong job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Energy, Technology, Healthcare — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $49,220 per year, Texas's Recreational Therapist salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Texas (index: 0.95) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Texas can expect to earn $34,587–$42,064, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $58,885–$64,492.

Looking ahead, the Recreational Therapist profession in Texas is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Energy 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
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Recreational Therapist salary in Texas is $49,220 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% below the national average of $51,810.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in Texas due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Texas has a strong job market with major industries in Energy, Technology, Healthcare. This makes it one of the better states for Recreational Therapist employment.
  • At $49,220/year, Texas Recreational Therapist salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average of $51,810/year.