How much does a recreation supervisor make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical recreation supervisor in the United States makes $48,560 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They plan sports, aquatics, or game schedules with staff and organize the activities. During programs, they watch how things are going, answer visitors’ questions, and help sort out complaints.
Did you know? Recreation supervisors may order safety harnesses, flashlights, and first-aid kits—not just plan games!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,760 and $79,060How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school or earn a GED, then gain experience in recreation or entertainment before moving into a supervisor role. Related work experience is typical, so learning to run activities and guide staff on the job can help prepare you.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, credentials valued by employers, and how much responsibility the supervisor has. The employer and location matter too, as do the hours worked.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($62,900), lowest in Arkansas ($36,830).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,760 | $48,560 | $79,060 | about 103,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $62,900 | about 2,000 |
| Colorado | $58,640 | about 4,000 |
| Massachusetts | $56,990 | about 3,000 |
| Hawaii | $55,700 | about 720 |
| Connecticut | $53,980 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-1014.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/39-1014.00
- www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes391014.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY