📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Recreational Therapist Salary in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin · 8.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$47,665
per year
Median
$46,377
per year
Hourly
$22.92
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$33,495
25th Percentile — Junior$40,736
50th Percentile — Median$46,377
75th Percentile — Senior$57,026
90th Percentile — Top Earners$62,456
💡 Top-earning Recreational Therapists in Wisconsin make up to $62,456 per year. The job market in Wisconsin is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$41.1k
2021
$42.4k
2022
$43.6k
2023
$44.9k
2024
$46.3k
2025
$47.7k
2026
📈 Recreational Therapist salaries in Wisconsin have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Wisconsin's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Recreational Therapist Salary by City in Wisconsin
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Milwaukee $44,328 -7.0% Medium
Madison $46,235 -3.0% Medium
🔍
Recreational Therapist Job Market in Wisconsin
Key factors affecting compensation

Wisconsin is home to a moderate job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $47,665 per year, Wisconsin's Recreational Therapist salaries are 8.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Wisconsin (index: 0.92) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Wisconsin can expect to earn $33,495–$40,736, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $57,026–$62,456.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Recreational Therapist salary in Wisconsin is $47,665 per year in 2026, which is 8.0% below the national average of $51,810.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in Wisconsin due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Wisconsin has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Recreational Therapist employment.
  • At $47,665/year, Wisconsin Recreational Therapist salaries are 8.0% lower than the national average of $51,810/year.