Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
SOC code 11-9072 · O*NET-SOC 11-9072.00 · Considerable preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$79,520
a year
Hourly
$38.23
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$89,750
$43.15 per hour
Middle 50%
$61,060 – $104,770
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$46,270 – $139,110
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
37,980
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $46,270
- $22.25/hr
- 25th percentile
- $61,060
- $29.36/hr
- Median percentile
- $79,520
- $38.23/hr
- 75th percentile
- $104,770
- $50.37/hr
- 90th percentile
- $139,110
- $66.88/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+8%
Growing much faster than average
43,200
jobs in 2024
46,500
projected for 2034
About 3,300 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What do entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling do?
Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Write budgets to plan recreational activities or programs.
- Talk to coworkers using electronic devices, such as computers and radios.
- Talk to customers to convey information about events or activities.
- Plan programs of events or schedules of activities.
- Explain rules and regulations of facilities and entertainment attractions to customers.
- Calculate and record department expenses and revenue.
- Inspect equipment, such as rides, games, and vehicles, to detect wear and damage.
- Interview and hire associates to fill staff vacancies.
How to qualify for this work
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does an entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling earn?
The national median is $79,520 a year. The full range runs from $46,270 at the 10th percentile to $139,110 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 entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Is entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 8% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.9/5
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.2/5
- Psychology3.2/5
- Administrative3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Instructing.