Median annual earnings of recreational therapists were $34,990 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,780 and $44,850. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $55,530. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of recreational therapists in May 2006 were:
| General medical and surgical hospitals | $39,320 |
| State government | 38,260 |
| Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals | 37,560 |
| Nursing care facilities | 30,440 |
| Community care facilities for the elderly | 28,980 |
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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition