Recreational Therapists Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $100,820 +67.3% vs national
Median hourly $48.47
10th percentile $72,560
90th percentile $121,160
Employed locally 60
National median $60,280

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Recreational Therapists
in
San Jose, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $72,560
    25th
    $85,310
    50th (median)
    $100,820
    75th
    $111,680
    90th
    $121,160

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Recreational Therapists salary vs area income 64% Median Recreational Therapists salary is 36% below 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $100,360
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $96,530
    California $96,530

    Nearby metros — Recreational Therapists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $107,810
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $102,640
    Vallejo, CA $102,640
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $100,360
    California $96,530
    Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $96,530

    Related occupations in San Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $208,940
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $92,840
    Physicians, All Other $95,320
    Pharmacy Technicians $70,740
    Pharmacists $196,250
    Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $81,900

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Recreational Therapists make per hour in San Jose?

    The median hourly wage for Recreational Therapists in San Jose, CA is $48.47, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $57.76 or more per hour.

    Is San Jose above or below average for Recreational Therapists salaries?

    The median Recreational Therapists salary in San Jose, CA is 67.3% 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 San Jose?

    Entry-level Recreational Therapists (10th percentile) earn around $72,560 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $85,310.