Recreational Therapists Salary in Riverside, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Median annual salary $96,530 +60.1% vs national
Median hourly $46.41
10th percentile $53,930
90th percentile $102,640
Employed locally 310
National median $60,280

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Recreational Therapists
in
Riverside, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $53,930
    25th
    $58,350
    50th (median)
    $96,530
    75th
    $96,540
    90th
    $102,640

    Riverside economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,031 2023 • Census ACS
    Recreational Therapists salary vs area income 112% Median Recreational Therapists salary is 12% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Recreational Therapists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $107,810
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $102,640
    Vallejo, CA $102,640
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $100,820
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $100,360
    California $96,530

    Nearby metros — Recreational Therapists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $107,810
    Vallejo, CA $102,640
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $102,640
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $100,820
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $100,360
    California $96,530

    Related occupations in Riverside, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $130,160
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $75,560
    Pharmacy Technicians $48,790
    Pharmacists $160,640
    Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $50,300
    Respiratory Therapists $97,080

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Recreational Therapists make per hour in Riverside?

    The median hourly wage for Recreational Therapists in Riverside, CA is $46.41, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $54.71 or more per hour.

    Is Riverside above or below average for Recreational Therapists salaries?

    The median Recreational Therapists salary in Riverside, CA is 60.1% above the national median of $60,280. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Recreational Therapists in Riverside?

    Entry-level Recreational Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $53,930 per year in Riverside, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $58,350.