How much does a recreation worker make?
Answer: A typical recreation worker in the United States makes $36,560 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 331,000 people work in this job. Below the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Recreation worker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a recreation worker do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and leading and selling.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Personal Care and Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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