Recreational Therapist salary in South Carolina
Recreational Therapists in South Carolina earn a median of $48,880 a year ($23.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,670 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $61,960. South Carolina ranks 44th of 48 states for recreational therapists pay. There are 0.08 recreational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $51,870, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreational therapists in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,290 | $18.41 |
| 25th percentile | $42,060 | $20.22 |
| Median | $48,880 | $23.50 |
| 75th percentile | $60,980 | $29.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,670 | $35.90 |
| Average (mean) | $51,870 | $24.94 |
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 | $4,073.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,036.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,880 |
| Weekly | $940 |
| Hourly | $23.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,880 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Recreational Therapist salary in cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $52,170 | 90 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $52,010 | 40 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $50,470 | 30 |
| Columbia, SC | $43,730 | 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 |
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $82,360 | $39.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $123,290 | $59.28 |
| Pharmacist | $135,700 | $65.24 |
| Physicians, All Other | $274,480 | $131.96 |
| Physical Therapist | $101,330 | $48.72 |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,340 | $40.55 |
| Physician Assistant | $122,490 | $58.89 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $90,530 | $43.52 |
| Dentists, General | $158,640 | $76.27 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $77,740 | $37.38 |
| Occupational Therapist | $101,130 | $48.62 |
| Veterinarian | $122,130 | $58.72 |
| General Internal Medicine Physician | $359,500 | $172.84 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $239,200 | $115.00 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
The median salary for recreational therapists in South Carolina is $48,880 a year, or $23.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,670 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreational therapists make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of recreational therapists in South Carolina earn at least $74,670 a year. The top 25% earn $60,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreational therapists in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,290 a year, and a quarter of recreational therapists earn $42,060 or less.
How many recreational therapists work in South Carolina?
About 190 recreational therapists are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.