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  1. Occupations
  2. Recreation Workers

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 Director
  • Activity Aide
  • Activity Director
  • Recreation Supervisor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $25,640. 25th percentile: U.S. $30,460. 50th percentile: U.S. $35,380. 75th percentile: U.S. $41,120. 90th percentile: U.S. $49,460. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Appletree
  • Charting software
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Database software
  • Desktop publishing software
  • GroupMe
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Publisher
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Braille materials
  • Calendars
  • Cash registers
  • Cashboxes
  • Desktop computers
  • Electronic scoreboards
  • First aid kits
  • Handheld calculators
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Recreational Therapists 29-1125.00
  • Social and Community Service Managers 11-9151.00
  • Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling 11-9072.00
  • Rehabilitation Counselors 21-1015.00
  • Training and Development Managers 11-3131.00

Moderately Similar

  • Instructional Coordinators 25-9031.00
  • Social and Human Service Assistants 21-1093.00
  • Residential Advisors 39-9041.00
  • Fitness and Wellness Coordinators 11-9179.01
  • First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers 39-1022.00

Related

  • First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services 39-1014.00
  • Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare 11-9031.00
  • Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary 11-9032.00
  • Directors, Religious Activities and Education 21-2021.00
  • Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1193.00
  • Training and Development Specialists 13-1151.00
  • Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2058.00
  • Health Education Specialists 21-1091.00
  • Community Health Workers 21-1094.00
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers 21-1021.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Bachelor's DegreeAdventure Education and LeadershipIssuer: Asbury University
  • Master's DegreeM.S. in Experiential and Outdoor EducationIssuer: Western Carolina University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateNATURE-BASED THERAPYIssuer: East Tennessee State University
  • DiplomaOutdoor LeadershipIssuer: Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Bachelor's DegreeOutdoor LeadershipIssuer: Colorado Christian University
  • Bachelor's DegreeCamping and Outdoor LeadershipIssuer: Liberty University
  • Short-Term CertificateIntro Outdoor EducationIssuer: Red Rocks Community College
  • Bachelor's DegreeAdventure EducationIssuer: Fort Lewis College
  • Short-Term CertificateWilderness and Adventure TherapyIssuer: Fort Lewis College
  • Associate's DegreeOutdoor Recreation LeadershipIssuer: Colorado Mountain College