How to become a Diversional Therapist

Also called: Recreational Therapist

Plans, designs and coordinates individualised recreational, lifestyle and leisure-based activities to support, challenge and enhance the psychological, spiritual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing of individuals primarily in health care or aged care homes.

Main tasks

• Identifies individual needs, interests, skills, autonomy and abilities through task analysis, and encourages participation and independence in suitable leisure and recreational events
• Evaluates and assesses clients' levels of abilities, interests, needs, strengths, weaknesses, and their ability to carry out a range of tasks and interact with others
• Adapts programs to suit individual needs, interests, skills and abilities
• Plans, implements and coordinates leisure-based activity programs for groups and individuals to assist with their social development and promote their sense of wellbeing
• Maintains a knowledge of resources available within a facility and the community
• Assists with training and supervising volunteers and staff

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Leisure and Health (CHC53415); Certificate IV in Leisure and Health (CHC43415); Diploma of Community Services (CHC52021)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $74,568 a year
• About 6,600 people work in this job group now, and about 7,900 are projected by 2035. (+18.5%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Lifestyle Coordinator
• Lifestyle Officer
• Youth Justice Worker
• Child Protection Practitioner
• Family Violence Practitioner
• Community Development Officer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Diversional Therapist?

Ways in include: Diploma of Leisure and Health; Certificate IV in Leisure and Health.

How much does a Diversional Therapist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $74,568 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Diversional Therapist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 6,600 to about 7,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Diversional Therapist?

Usually not. Only 22% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Leisure and Health; Certificate IV in Leisure and Health.

Will AI change the work of a Diversional Therapist?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04