Recreation Workers

Pay and outlook

Median annual wage, May 2025

$36,560

Half earn more, half earn less

Middle half earn

$31,780 – $43,470

25th to 75th percentile

People employed, May 2025

331,490

Wage and salary jobs (OEWS)

Projected change, 2025–35

+4.3%

At or above the all-jobs rate (3.5% to under 7%)

Openings a year (projected)

67,000

New jobs plus replacing people who leave

Typical education to enter

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

• All figures are for the United States as a whole. Pay varies a lot by state and city.
• Wages are for everyone working in the occupation in May 2025, at every career stage. They are not starting salaries or figures for new graduates.
• Growth and openings are BLS projections for 2025–35. They are estimates, not promises. Openings include jobs that open up when people retire or change occupation, not just new jobs.

What the work involves

Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.

Main tasks

• Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
• Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
• Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
• Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
• Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
• Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
• Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.

Description and tasks from the O*NET® 31.0 Database.

Getting in

Typical education to enter (BLS)

High school diploma or equivalent

Training once hired: short-term on-the-job training

O*NET Job Zone 4

Considerable preparation

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Fields of study that lead here

From the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk, which links 1 programme to this occupation. A link means the programme prepares people for this kind of work. It doesn't mean the programme is required, or that it's the only route.

Related careers

Related occupations from the O*NET database, in its order.

• Recreational Therapists

  $61,960 median · +4.8% projected

• Social and Community Service Managers

  $80,390 median · +7.2% projected

• Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling

  $79,520 median · +6% projected

• Rehabilitation Counselors

  $46,850 median · +2.2% projected

• Instructional Coordinators

  $77,440 median · +1.6% projected

• Social and Human Service Assistants

  $45,930 median · +7.4% projected