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 Assistant · Activities Director · Activity Aide · Activity Assistant · Activity Coordinator · Activity Director
Median pay (national)
$35,380
$25,640–$49,460 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
309,640
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.1%
~68,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for recreation workers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $49,460 versus $25,640 at the bottom 10% — 1.9x. The median of $35,380 leaves roughly 40% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 68,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $45,760, +29% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $21,060 — a 117% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
Tailor your resume to Recreation Workers
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Recreation Workers
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
- Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.
- Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
- Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
- Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Appletree
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Database software
- GroupMe
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Publisher
- Recordkeeping software
- Scheduling software
- YouTube
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics