There are currently an estimated 16,100 recreational therapists in the United States. The recreational therapist job market is expected to grow by 3.3% between 2024 and 2034.
How employable are recreational therapists?
CareerExplorer rates recreational therapists with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 500 recreational therapists.
What’s the supply of recreational therapists?
The recreational therapist industry is concentrated in California, New York, Texas
Recreational Therapist job market by state
| State Name | Employed Recreational Therapists |
|---|---|
| California | 1,920 |
| New York | 1,230 |
| Texas | 800 |
| Pennsylvania | 720 |
| Kansas | 710 |
| Florida | 640 |
| Michigan | 590 |
| Virginia | 570 |
| Georgia | 530 |
| North Carolina | 440 |
| Illinois | 440 |
| New Jersey | 430 |
| Nevada | 400 |
| Connecticut | 380 |
| Wisconsin | 350 |
| Ohio | 310 |
| Maryland | 290 |
| Oregon | 250 |
| Minnesota | 250 |
| Washington | 240 |
| Iowa | 230 |
| Utah | 210 |
| Massachusetts | 210 |
| Colorado | 200 |
| Indiana | 190 |
| South Carolina | 190 |
| Louisiana | 190 |
| Arizona | 170 |
| Alabama | 160 |
| Nebraska | 150 |
| Tennessee | 150 |
| Missouri | 140 |
| Mississippi | 140 |
| West Virginia | 130 |
| Oklahoma | 120 |
| New Mexico | 100 |
| Kentucky | 100 |
| Idaho | 90 |
| North Dakota | 80 |
| Arkansas | 70 |
| Delaware | 70 |
| New Hampshire | 70 |
| District of Columbia | 50 |
| Hawaii | 40 |
| Vermont | 40 |
| Montana | 40 |
| South Dakota | 40 |
| Maine | 40 |