Recreation Workers Career, Salary and Skills
Recreation Workers have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $36,560 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 331,490. Wage data is published for 440 locations.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
39-9032.00
Job zone
4
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$36,560
Hourly median
$17.58
Employment
331,490
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Coordination | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Service Orientation | 4.00 | 3.75 |
| Speaking | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Monitoring | 3.75 | 3.38 |
| Instructing | 3.75 | 3.38 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.25 | 3.62 |
| Time Management | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Writing | 3.12 | 3.12 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
Technology
- Appletree
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database software
- GroupMe
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Recordkeeping software
- Scheduling software
Recreation Workers salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Recreation Workers Salary in CAMedian $39,780 · Employment 48,560
- Recreation Workers Salary in NYMedian $38,040 · Employment 24,790
- Recreation Workers Salary in New York, NYMedian $38,440 · Employment 21,900
- Recreation Workers Salary in TXMedian $32,720 · Employment 18,660
- Recreation Workers Salary in FLMedian $35,490 · Employment 18,010
- Recreation Workers Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $38,790 · Employment 17,850
- Recreation Workers Salary in ILMedian $35,480 · Employment 17,650
- Recreation Workers Salary in Chicago, ILMedian $35,830 · Employment 13,670
- Recreation Workers Salary in AZMedian $35,800 · Employment 12,650
- Recreation Workers Salary in OHMedian $32,420 · Employment 12,340
- Recreation Workers Salary in MAMedian $38,540 · Employment 11,280
- Recreation Workers Salary in MIMedian $35,090 · Employment 10,850
Related careers
- Child, Family, and School Social WorkersNational median $59,550
- Health Education SpecialistsNational median $64,070
- Training and Development SpecialistsNational median $69,280
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, PostsecondaryNational median $77,270
- Community Health WorkersNational median $51,850
- Directors, Religious Activities and EducationNational median $52,100
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through SecondaryNational median $105,870
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and AdvisorsNational median $64,330
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.