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.
SOC: 39-9032.00
Common Job Titles
Activities DirectorActivity AideActivity DirectorRecreation Supervisor
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign creative recreational programs and innovative activity formats synthesizing education and training knowledge with participant feedback and current trends.Advanced
- KnowledgeOrganize diverse recreational activities including arts, crafts, sports, music, and dramatics in public, private, or volunteer recreation facilities, tailoring programs to individual member needs and interests.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate participant needs, interests, and safety considerations when establishing interpersonal relationships with diverse recreation groups.Proficient
- KnowledgeSchedule recreational programs, facility usage, and personnel assignments coordinating multiple concurrent activities while managing material and human resources.Proficient
- MindsetReconcile conflicting participant interests and group dynamics when negotiating and resolving disputes during recreational activities.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery recreational activity techniques and safety protocols while instructing groups and modeling proper participation in sports, games, and creative activities.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess participant engagement levels, program effectiveness, and safety compliance through continuous monitoring of group activities and individual responses.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate inclusive recreational programming and accessibility accommodations when serving diverse populations including individuals with disabilities.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate team-building activities, volunteer assignments, and interdepartmental collaboration managing personnel resources to deliver cohesive recreational programming.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply psychological principles and social perceptiveness techniques to identify participant needs, motivations, and behavioral patterns in group settings.Developing
- KnowledgeOperate scheduling software, Microsoft Office Suite, and recordkeeping databases to document participant information, manage registrations, and communicate program details.Developing
- MindsetEngage participants through motivational communication and service-oriented interaction while performing for and working directly with the public in recreational settings.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Recreation Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
309,640
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $25,640 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $49,460 |
| Workers on average earn | $37,170 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language4.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
AppletreeCharting softwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteDatabase softwareDesktop publishing softwareGroupMeMicrosoft Internet ExplorerMicrosoft Publisher
Tools & Equipment
Braille materialsCalendarsCash registersCashboxesDesktop computersElectronic scoreboardsFirst aid kitsHandheld calculators