How much does a recreational therapist make in Des Moines?
$62,000a year
Median yearly pay for recreational therapists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area. That is $29.81 an hour or $5,167 a month.
- Hourly
- $29.81
- Vs. national median
- +0%
- Rank among cities
- 37 of 84
- Jobs in the area
- 50
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $47,340Median: $62,000Highest 10%: $86,330
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $47,340 | $22.76 | |
| 25th | $56,220 | $27.03 | |
| Median | $62,000 | $29.81 | |
| 75th | $79,400 | $38.17 | |
| 90th | $86,330 | $41.50 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for recreational therapists.
| Omaha, NE | $58,630 |
Related jobs in Des Moines
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Emergency Medicine Physician | $426,300 |
| Psychiatrist | $358,000 |
| Physician | $309,900 |
| Pediatrician | $271,200 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $265,200 |
| Anesthesiologist | $239,200 |
| Physician | $239,200 |
| Radiologist | $239,200 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $237,700 |
| Dentist | $209,300 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a recreational therapist make an hour in Des Moines?
The median hourly pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $29.81 ($62,000 a year).
Do recreational therapists make more in Des Moines than the national average?
Yes: $62,000 against $61,960 nationally, 0% more.
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $56,140, so Des Moines pays 10% more.
Where does Des Moines rank for recreational therapist pay?
37 of 84 metro areas with data.
How much does a recreational therapist make starting out in Des Moines?
The lowest-paid 10% make $47,340 or less a year; the top 10% make $86,330 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.