Management
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.
Median pay
$79,520
Growth to 2035
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year
5,100
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- Less than 5 years
Calculate your switch to entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling: 36% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Interview and hire associates to fill staff vacancies.
- Assign tasks and work hours to staff.
Also called: Aquatic Program Manager · Camp Director · Events Manager · Golf Course Manager · Ice Arena Director · Park Manager · Recreation Director · Recreation Manager
Outlook and AI
Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling held 43,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 46,500 by 2035 (+6%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Recreation worker
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Personal service managers, all other
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Recreational therapist
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Conservation scientist
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. General and operations managers
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Lodging manager
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Facilities manager
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Social and community service managers
- Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling vs. Meeting, convention, and event planners