Recreational Therapist salary in New Mexico
Recreational Therapists in New Mexico earn a median of $49,210 a year ($23.66 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $110,470 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $61,960. New Mexico ranks 42nd of 48 states for recreational therapists pay. There are 0.11 recreational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $61,680, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreational therapists in New Mexico
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| 25th percentile | $43,790 | $21.05 |
| Median | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| 75th percentile | $68,320 | $32.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $110,470 | $53.11 |
| Average (mean) | $61,680 | $29.65 |
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 | $4,100.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,050.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,892.69 |
| Weekly | $946.35 |
| Hourly | $23.66 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,210 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 New Mexico
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $94,340 | $45.36 |
| Physicians, All Other | $327,670 | $157.54 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $137,520 | $66.11 |
| Pharmacist | $147,000 | $70.67 |
| Dental Hygienist | $95,940 | $46.12 |
| Physical Therapist | $106,880 | $51.38 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $98,690 | $47.45 |
| Occupational Therapist | $99,170 | $47.68 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $68,870 | $33.11 |
| Dentists, General | $155,260 | $74.64 |
| Physician Assistant | $139,920 | $67.27 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $228,040 | $109.64 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $74,730 | $35.93 |
| Veterinarian | $129,390 | $62.21 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in New Mexico
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 New Mexico?
The median salary for recreational therapists in New Mexico is $49,210 a year, or $23.66 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $110,470 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreational therapists make in New Mexico?
The top 10% of recreational therapists in New Mexico earn at least $110,470 a year. The top 25% earn $68,320 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreational therapists in New Mexico?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,600 a year, and a quarter of recreational therapists earn $43,790 or less.
How many recreational therapists work in New Mexico?
About 100 recreational therapists are employed in New Mexico, not counting the self-employed.