Recreation Workers
SOC code 39-9032 · O*NET-SOC 39-9032.00 · Considerable preparation needed
Recreation Workers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$36,560
a year
Hourly
$17.58
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$38,520
$18.52 per hour
Middle 50%
$31,780 – $43,470
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$27,600 – $50,410
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
331,490
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $27,600
- $13.27/hr
- 25th percentile
- $31,780
- $15.28/hr
- Median percentile
- $36,560
- $17.58/hr
- 75th percentile
- $43,470
- $20.90/hr
- 90th percentile
- $50,410
- $24.24/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+4%
Growing faster than average
327,700
jobs in 2024
341,100
projected for 2034
About 13,400 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a recreation worker do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.
How to become a recreation worker
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 62% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
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.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree62%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)25%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree8%
- Post-Secondary Certificate3%
Common questions
How much does a recreation worker earn?
The national median is $36,560 a year. The full range runs from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $50,410 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a recreation worker 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 recreation worker in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 4% between 2024 and 2034 — growing 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
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Speaking4.0/5
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
- Psychology3.2/5
- Administrative3.1/5
- Computers and Electronics3.0/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation, Instructing, Time Management.