Recreation Workers
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.
Also called: Activities Aide, Activities Assistant, Activities Associate, Activities Coordinator, Activities Counselor, Activities Director
Median pay
$36,560
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$27,600 – $50,410
People employed
331,490
Holland code
SER
Social · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
Recreation Workers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What recreation workers do
- 01Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
- 02Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
- 03Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- 04Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
- 05Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- 06Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from recreation workers
- Social and Community Service Managers87% · +120%
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling86% · +118%
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators83% · group pay
- Social and Human Service Assistants81% · +26%
- Coaches and Scouts80% · +29%
Change into recreation workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Coaches and Scouts80% · $47,320
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators80% · $69,770
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term72% · $41,670
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education71% · $38,140
- Park Naturalists70% · $73,010
Majors that lead here
- Outdoor Education
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.