Recreational Therapist salary in Columbus, OH
Recreational Therapists in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $60,590 a year ($29.13 an hour), based on BLS data for 90 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,860 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $61,960. Pay here is about the same as the Ohio statewide median of $60,770. There are 0.08 recreational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $60,340, close to the median.
Pay range for recreational therapists in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,540 | $22.86 |
| 25th percentile | $49,600 | $23.85 |
| Median | $60,590 | $29.13 |
| 75th percentile | $67,100 | $32.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,860 | $36.47 |
| Average (mean) | $60,340 | $29.01 |
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 | $5,049.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,524.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,330.38 |
| Weekly | $1,165.19 |
| Hourly | $29.13 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $60,590 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 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $63,740 | 50 |
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 Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $40.34 |
| Physicians, All Other | $214,760 | $103.25 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,580 | $59.89 |
| Pharmacist | $133,960 | $64.40 |
| Physical Therapist | $105,130 | $50.54 |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,880 | $46.58 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $96,460 | $46.38 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,920 | $47.56 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $81,860 | $39.36 |
| Physician Assistant | $137,550 | $66.13 |
| Veterinarian | $123,270 | $59.26 |
| Dentists, General | $166,180 | $79.89 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $71,200 | $34.23 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | $179,810 | $86.45 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
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 Columbus, OH?
The median salary for recreational therapists in the Columbus, OH metro area is $60,590 a year, or $29.13 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,540 for the lowest-paid 10% to $75,860 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreational therapists make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of recreational therapists in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $75,860 a year. The top 25% earn $67,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreational therapists in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,540 a year, and a quarter of recreational therapists earn $49,600 or less.
How many recreational therapists work in Columbus, OH?
About 90 recreational therapists are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.