How much does a recreation worker make?
a year · about $18 an hour
A typical recreation worker in the United States makes $36,560 a year, about $18 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They set out art or sports supplies and lead a group activity, like crafts or games. Between sessions, they help participants, tidy equipment, and may finish forms or make calendars for the next event.
Did you know? Some recreation workers visit residents one-on-one in their rooms and take them on community outings—not just lead group games.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $27,600 and $50,410How do you become one?
In the U.S., recreation workers usually need a high-school diploma or equivalent, then get brief on-the-job training. Some jobs ask for CPR or first-aid certification, a driver’s license, or a background check.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like helping and teaching and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, responsibility, training or certificates, the activity you specialize in, and the kind of employer and location can all affect pay. Part-time, irregular, or seasonal schedules can also mean fewer paid hours across the year.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($44,890), lowest in Arkansas ($27,770).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,600 | $36,560 | $50,410 | about 331,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $44,890 | about 6,000 |
| South Dakota | $42,270 | about 650 |
| Hawaii | $41,000 | about 2,000 |
| California | $39,780 | about 49,000 |
| Oregon | $39,610 | about 5,000 |
Official definition: 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.
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.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/recreation-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-9032.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes399032.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY