Recreational Therapist salary in Louisiana
Recreational Therapists in Louisiana earn a median of $51,150 a year ($24.59 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,220 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $61,960. Louisiana ranks 36th of 48 states for recreational therapists pay. There are 0.10 recreational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $53,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreational therapists in Louisiana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| 25th percentile | $43,150 | $20.75 |
| Median | $51,150 | $24.59 |
| 75th percentile | $61,590 | $29.61 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,220 | $32.32 |
| Average (mean) | $53,360 | $25.65 |
Half of recreational therapists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,262.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,131.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,967.31 |
| Weekly | $983.65 |
| Hourly | $24.59 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $51,150 salary, see how much house you can afford in Louisiana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Recreational Therapist salary in cities in Louisiana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | $48,000 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for recreational therapists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $98,170 |
| District of Columbia | $95,640 |
| New Hampshire | $82,280 |
| Nevada | $78,730 |
| Washington | $77,860 |
| Minnesota | $76,360 |
| Colorado | $66,580 |
| Oregon | $66,530 |
| New York | $65,520 |
| Hawaii | $64,500 |
Related jobs in Louisiana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $80,230 | $38.57 |
| Pharmacist | $132,410 | $63.66 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,600 | $60.38 |
| Physicians, All Other | $350,920 | $168.71 |
| Physical Therapist | $98,530 | $47.37 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $69,610 | $33.46 |
| Dental Hygienist | $85,240 | $40.98 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $75,240 | $36.17 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,490 | $47.35 |
| Dentists, General | $170,750 | $82.09 |
| Physician Assistant | $128,870 | $61.96 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $255,330 | $122.75 |
| Veterinarian | $124,370 | $59.79 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $222,130 | $106.80 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Louisiana
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1125. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a recreational therapist make in Louisiana?
The median salary for recreational therapists in Louisiana is $51,150 a year, or $24.59 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,220 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreational therapists make in Louisiana?
The top 10% of recreational therapists in Louisiana earn at least $67,220 a year. The top 25% earn $61,590 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreational therapists in Louisiana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,590 a year, and a quarter of recreational therapists earn $43,150 or less.
How many recreational therapists work in Louisiana?
About 190 recreational therapists are employed in Louisiana, not counting the self-employed.