Amusement and Recreation Attendants
SOC code 39-3091 · O*NET-SOC 39-3091.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation
Amusement and Recreation Attendants pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$32,150
a year
Hourly
$15.46
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$32,640
$15.69 per hour
Middle 50%
$27,660 – $36,590
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$22,350 – $42,490
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
397,830
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $22,350
- $10.75/hr
- 25th percentile
- $27,660
- $13.30/hr
- Median percentile
- $32,150
- $15.46/hr
- 75th percentile
- $36,590
- $17.59/hr
- 90th percentile
- $42,490
- $20.43/hr
What do amusement and recreation attendants do?
Perform a variety of attending duties at amusement or recreation facility. May schedule use of recreation facilities, maintain and provide equipment to participants of sporting events or recreational pursuits, or operate amusement concessions and rides.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Sell tickets and collect fees from customers.
- Provide information about facilities, entertainment options, and rules and regulations.
- Keep informed of shut-down and emergency evacuation procedures.
- Direct patrons to rides, seats, or attractions.
- Monitor activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures, or arrange for the removal of unruly patrons.
- Record details of attendance, sales, receipts, reservations, or repair activities.
- Provide assistance to patrons entering or exiting amusement rides, boats, or ski lifts, or mounting or dismounting animals.
- Clean sporting equipment, vehicles, rides, booths, facilities, or grounds.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 64% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma64%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)32%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree3%
- Bachelor's Degree1%
Common questions
How much does an amusement and recreation attendants earn?
The national median is $32,150 a year. The full range runs from $22,350 at the 10th percentile to $42,490 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an amusement and recreation attendants without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.3/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Monitoring2.9/5
- Critical Thinking2.8/5
- Writing2.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.2/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Sales and Marketing2.7/5
- Computers and Electronics2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.