Creative Arts Therapists

A therapist's annual salary depends on experience, level of training, and education. Working on a hospital staff or being self-employed also affects annual income. Art therapists earned about $83,000 per year in 2024, according to Glassdoor.com. Salaries ranged from $63,000 to $110,000 per year. Art therapists who have Ph.D.'s and are licensed for private practice can earn between $75 and $150 or more per hour, according to the American Art Therapy Association. However those in private practice must pay professional expenses such as insurance and office rental.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reports that recreational therapists (an occupational category that includes some creative arts therapists) earned median salaries of $57,120 in May 2023; the lowest paid 10 percent averaged $37,960 or less, and the highest paid 10 percent brought home $92,080 or more per year.

Geographic location affects salary. According to the DOL, a recreational therapist in California earned an average annual salary of $89,660, whereas one in Texas earned $56,110, based on 2023 data.

Benefits depend on the employer but generally include paid vacation time, health insurance, and paid sick days. Those who are in private practice must provide their own benefits.