Personal care and service
Recreation worker
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.
Median pay
$36,560
Growth to 2035
+4%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
67,000
Time to qualify*
1 month
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Recreation worker
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
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
Exposure to disease
Recreation worker: 21% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
Also called: Activities Assistant · Activities Director · Activity Aide · Activity Assistant · Activity Coordinator · Activity Director · Recreation Assistant · Recreation Coordinator
Outlook and AI
Recreation workers held 346,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 361,900 by 2035 (+4%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Recreation worker vs. Recreational therapist
- Recreation worker vs. Social and community service managers
- Recreation worker vs. Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling
- Recreation worker vs. Rehabilitation counselor
- Recreation worker vs. Instructional coordinator
- Recreation worker vs. Social and human service assistants
- Recreation worker vs. First-line supervisor of personal service workers
- Recreation worker vs. Residential advisor
- Recreation worker vs. Personal service managers, all other
- Recreation worker vs. Training and development managers