Recreational Therapists Salary in Tennessee

Recreational therapists in Tennessee earn the most in Memphis (average $60,730 a year) and the least in Chattanooga ($51,970), across the 3 Tennessee metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the recreational therapists average at $55,030 and the median at $51,910 for 150 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $67,630.

Recreational Therapists average salary by city in Tennessee

Memphis$60,730
Nashville$56,090
Chattanooga$51,970

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Memphis	$60,730	$55,270	$49,770	$50,977	92
Nashville	$56,090	$53,400	$48,060	$47,248	96
Chattanooga	$51,970	$48,590	$48,590	$43,938	91

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Tennessee has no state income tax. 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 Tennessee

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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