Recreational Therapists Salary in North Carolina

Recreational therapists in North Carolina earn the most in Durham (average $60,490 a year) and the least in Winston-Salem ($56,510), across the 3 North Carolina metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the recreational therapists average at $55,950 and the median at $51,030 for 440 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $67,630.

Recreational Therapists average salary by city in North Carolina

Durham$60,490
Charlotte$58,630
Winston-Salem$56,510

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Durham	$60,490	$53,100	$50,510	$48,879	98
Charlotte	$58,630	$52,170	$45,100	$47,459	97
Winston-Salem	$56,510	$51,780	$48,490	$45,840	92

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. 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 North Carolina

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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