Recreation therapist

Duties: Recreational therapists help people reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic physical and mental abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively. They help people with disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. For example, therapists may teach a patient who uses a wheelchair how to use public transportation.

Salary:

Government	$48,850
Hospitals; state, local, and private	46,160
Ambulatory health care services	39,770
Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)	36,900
Residential care facilities	36,430

Education: Most recreational therapists need a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field. Though less common, associate’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are also available.