Recreational Therapists Salary in New York

Recreational therapists in New York earn the most in Buffalo (average $70,160 a year) and the least in Rochester ($61,630), across the 5 New York metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the recreational therapists average at $68,960 and the median at $65,520 for 1,230 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $67,630.

Recreational Therapists average salary by city in New York

Buffalo$70,160
New York$70,030
Syracuse$66,680
Albany$65,070
Rochester$61,630

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Buffalo	$70,160	$65,080	$60,420	$54,934	96
New York	$70,030	$66,050	$55,890	$54,849	113
Syracuse	$66,680	$63,370	$58,430	$52,677	96
Albany	$65,070	$61,830	$53,770	$51,490	100
Rochester	$61,630	$58,980	$49,760	$48,915	97

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; New York City (up to 3.876%) and Yonkers income taxes are not included. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Recreational Therapists salary in other states

Recreational Therapists salary by city and state

More about pay in New York

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 29-1125.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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