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Recreation Therapy Aide: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like motivating people to have fun and improve their wellness through meaningful leisure activities? Can you talk with them and see what they need? Are you enthusiastic and creative? Are you physically active? Then you may have a ball as a recreation therapy aide.
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Occupations in Alberta

Recreation Therapy Aide

Recreation therapy aides help recreation therapists plan and deliver therapeutic programs and recreational activities. They work directly with clients and volunteers.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Activity Aide’s Therapy Assistant

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 3414.2: Therapy Assistants

2006 NOC-S

  • D313: Other Assisting Occupations in Support of Health Services

2011 NOC

  • 3414: Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2016 NOC

  • 3414: Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2021 NOC

  • 33109: Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2023 OaSIS

  • 33109.03: Rehabilitation aides
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Recreation therapy aides are members of a health-care team. Alongside a recreation therapist, they work with people who are ill or have limiting or disabling conditions. They help organize and lead a variety of social and leisure activities such as exercises, sports, crafts, music, drama, community outings, and special events. These activities provide opportunities for clients to take part in recreation as therapy and improve their quality of life.

Under the direction of recreation therapists, a recreation therapy aide may:

  • Conduct a portion of the assessment process, such as a social- or leisure-history questionnaire
  • Review client assessments and goals for therapeutic recreation programs and recreation-based activities
  • Plan and conduct one-on-one, small-group, and large-group activities
  • Support clients through treatment programs
  • Collaborate with other members of the health-care team
  • Help prepare, maintain, and store equipment and supplies such as audio-visual or exercise equipment, or craft supplies
  • Use, and teach clients how to use, adaptive equipment for recreation activities
  • Assist individuals with mobility equipment or assistive technology devices
  • Observe, report, and document client engagement and progress
  • Recognize and report changes in client abilities and function
  • Provide recreation therapists with continual feedback regarding program adjustments, improvements, or client participation
  • Prepare and clean up program work areas
  • Direct the work of volunteers and students

Recreation therapy aides regularly drive buses for community outings.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Recreation therapy aides may work in health-care settings and in community settings where leisure activities take place. These might include private homes, community facilities, and outdoor settings, for example. As a result, working conditions vary. Some aides work shifts that include evenings and weekends.

Recreation therapy aides often take part in activities requiring above-average strength and stamina.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
S
Social
This occupation
You
R
Realistic
C
Conventional
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Rehabilitation aides
2023 OaSIS: 33109.03

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Social

    Social jobs are about helping and working with people. People in these jobs enjoy teaching, caring for others, or giving advice. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centres. These jobs involve talking, listening, and supporting others. Examples include teachers, nurses, and counsellors.

  • 2
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 3
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Rehabilitation aides
2023 OaSIS: 33109.03

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Recreation therapy aides need:

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Communication skills (listening, speaking, and writing)
  • Observational skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Empathy
  • Enthusiasm
  • Flexibility
  • The ability to take part in physical activities
  • The ability to work with little supervision
  • Judgment and risk-management skills (to ensure client safety)

They should enjoy:

  • Participating in leisure and wellness activities
  • Having clear guidelines for their work
  • Working with people, especially seniors and people with disabilities
  • Handling and maintaining equipment and supplies
  • Being creative and spontaneous

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2016 NOC: 3414

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 04, 2024 and Dec 20, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Organized
Attention to detail
Tasks: Clean and maintain equipment
Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments
Tasks: Perform general clerical duties
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory
Tasks: Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies
Client focus
Team player
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Construction Specialization: Organized 54
Attention to detail 54
Tasks: Clean and maintain equipment 53
Tasks: Schedule and confirm appointments 52
Tasks: Perform general clerical duties 50
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory 50
Tasks: Prepare and maintain equipment and supplies 49
Construction Specialization: Client focus 46
Construction Specialization: Team player 44
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 39
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

Recreation therapy aides may be trained on the job. However, employers often prefer applicants who have related education and experience. This might include a 2-year diploma as a therapeutic recreation assistant or interdisciplinary therapy assistant, or experience working in a health-care facility or with older people.

Current CPR and first aid certification, current immunizations, and a criminal record check are normally required for employment. In addition, the following are definite assets:

  • Computer and technology skills such as the use of tablets and the setup and use of audio-visual equipment
  • The ability to communicate in a second language
  • A valid Class 4 driver’s license
  • Recreation-related skills such as experience in sports, music, drama, or arts and crafts
  • Training or experience working with specific client populations such as those with dementia, mental health issue, or addictions
  • Membership in the Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta or a supporting membership with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

AGA Academy
Bow Valley College
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton North
Grant MacEwan University
Lethbridge Polytechnic
Medicine Hat College
Red Deer Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Recreation therapy aides work for:

  • Rehabilitative, psychiatric, and acute-care hospitals and services
  • Community centres
  • Mental health and addiction facilities
  • Residential care facilities
  • Adult day-support programs
  • Prisons and correctional centres
  • Private and government-funded recreation centres
  • Long-term care and assisted-living residences
  • Rehabilitation hospitals and clinics
  • Day programs and outpatient services
  • Private community-based agencies

Without further education, opportunities for advancement are limited.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2016 NOC: 3414

83.7% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2021 NOC: 33109
Hot
Job Market
3,200
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
©
iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Other assisting occupations in support of health services
2016 NOC: 3414
1.8%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
95
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Other assisting occupations in support of health services

2021 NOC: 33109
Average Wage
$23.85
Per Hour
Average Salary
$45,864.00
Per Year
Average Hours
36.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 33109 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $31.41 $20.16 $19.00
Overall $19.00 $31.41 $23.85 $22.00
Top $20.90 $77.45 $30.62 $26.27

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Health Care & Social Assistance
ALL INDUSTRIES $45,864
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $31,891
Health Care & Social Assistance $46,249

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
57%
57%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
33%
33%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
4%
4%
Vacancy Rate
8%
Related High School Subjects
  • Fine Arts
    • Dance
    • Drama
    • Music
    • Visual Arts
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Health Care Services
    • Recreation Leadership
  • Physical Education
  • Science
    • Biology
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) website: www.alberta-tr.ca

Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) website: canadian-tr.org

Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (ThAAA) website: thaaa.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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