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Play Therapist Salary in Sacramento, CA
How much does a Play Therapist make in Sacramento, CA?
$54,181 (USD)/year
Average Bonus
$498 (USD)
per Year
Total Compensation
$54,116.47
Entry Level
$41,450
Median
$53,618
Senior Level
$59,589
As of July, 23, 2026, the average play therapist gross salary in Sacramento, California is $54,181 or an equivalent hourly rate of $26. In addition, play therapists earn an average bonus of $498. An entry level play therapist with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $41,450. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level play therapist with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $59,589. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in Sacramento, California.
Data powered by ERI
Salary Potential for a Play Therapist
Explore the estimated salary growth for a Play Therapist in Sacramento, CA for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a Play Therapist will be $55,617 in 1 year and $61,752 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$57,091
Average Growth
5.4 %
The estimated salary for a Play Therapist in 2 years is $57,091, which is 5.4 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.
Typical Play Therapist Education
This chart displays the highest level of education for Play Therapists.
- 10% of Play Therapists have less than a High School Diploma
- 19% of Play Therapists have a High School Diploma
- 0% of Play Therapists have an Associate's Degree
- 10% of Play Therapists have a Bachelor's Degree
- 57% of Play Therapists have a Master's Degree
- 5% of Play Therapists have a Doctorate Degree
Popular Skills for a Play Therapist
Instructs patients
100%
These are the most popular skills for Play Therapists. About 100% of Play Therapists have a skill in Instructs patients.
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Where can a Play Therapist earn more?
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Play Therapist Salaries in Other Locations
Salaries for Similar Job Titles in Sacramento, CA
Data not available.
Play Therapist Jobs
View moreCost of Living in Sacramento, CA
The cost of living in Sacramento, CA is 24% higher than the national average.
24% higher
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Play Therapist do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts. May assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity. Excludes “Recreation Workers” (39-9032).
How much does a Play Therapist make in Sacramento, CA?
The average salary for a Play Therapist is $54,181 per year or $26.05 per hour in Sacramento, CA. Top earners have reported making up to $59,589. However, the typical pay range in Sacramento, CA is between $41,450 and $59,589 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a Play Therapist?
Play Therapist is projected to see a 14.0 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer?
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career.
What are some factors that impact Play Therapist salaries?
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.
About Our Data
This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.
ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.
Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.
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