Recreational Therapist salary in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Recreational Therapists in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area earn a median of $63,740 a year ($30.64 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,140 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $61,960. Pay here is 5% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $60,770. There are 0.04 recreational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.45). The average (mean) salary is $63,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreational therapists in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,290 | $23.22 |
| 25th percentile | $53,460 | $25.70 |
| Median | $63,740 | $30.64 |
| 75th percentile | $71,410 | $34.33 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,140 | $39.49 |
| Average (mean) | $63,990 | $30.77 |
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 | $5,311.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,655.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,451.54 |
| Weekly | $1,225.77 |
| Hourly | $30.64 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $63,740 salary, see how much house you can afford in Ohio at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Recreational Therapist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | $67,390 | 50 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $61,840 | 50 |
| Columbus, OH | $60,590 | 90 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $54,460 | 340 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $52,960 | 100 |
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 |
See Recreational Therapist pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $83,650 | $40.22 |
| Physicians, All Other | $315,630 | $151.75 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,700 | $61.88 |
| Pharmacist | $140,200 | $67.40 |
| Physical Therapist | $102,890 | $49.47 |
| Dental Hygienist | $102,940 | $49.49 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $95,930 | $46.12 |
| Occupational Therapist | $100,870 | $48.50 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $81,600 | $39.23 |
| Physician Assistant | $128,520 | $61.79 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $221,170 | $106.33 |
| Veterinarian | $127,670 | $61.38 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $68,640 | $33.00 |
| Pediatricians, General | $216,750 | $104.21 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
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 Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
The median salary for recreational therapists in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area is $63,740 a year, or $30.64 an hour. Pay ranges from $48,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreational therapists make in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
The top 10% of recreational therapists in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area earn at least $82,140 a year. The top 25% earn $71,410 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreational therapists in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,290 a year, and a quarter of recreational therapists earn $53,460 or less.
How many recreational therapists work in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN?
About 50 recreational therapists are employed in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area, not counting the self-employed.