What Amusement and Recreation Attendants do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Amusement and Recreation Attendants this way: "Perform a variety of attending duties at amusement or recreation facility. May schedule use of recreation facilities, maintain and provide equipment to participants of sporting events or recreational pursuits, or operate amusement concessions and rides."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Provide information about facilities, entertainment options, and rules and regulations"; "Record details of attendance, sales, receipts, reservations, or repair activities"; "Monitor activities to ensure adherence to rules and safety procedures, or arrange for the removal of unruly patrons"; "Sell tickets and collect fees from customers"; "Keep informed of shut-down and emergency evacuation procedures".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Amusement and Recreation Attendants
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 408,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 423,600 in 2035, an increase of 15,200 jobs (+3.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 100,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 24.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $32,150, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Amusement and Recreation Attendants earn the most
Across the 13 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $26,629 in Texas to $38,000 in District of Columbia, a gap of $11,371 (1.43 times). 9 of those 13 states average above the BLS national median of $32,150 and 4 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 55,610, which is 18.3% of the 303,810 counted across them. Florida follows with 44,980.
Highest-paying states
District of Columbia ($38,000), California ($37,393) and West Virginia ($36,708) lead the ranking, while Texas ($26,629) and Pennsylvania ($29,585) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Amusement and Recreation Attendants: pay against the cost of living
We compare 15 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $11,857. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $11,273 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 6 of the 15 markets and falls short in 9. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 39.9% and 110.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (39-3000) include Gambling Dealers.
Frequently asked questions about Amusement and Recreation Attendants
How much do Amusement and Recreation Attendants earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $32,150. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $26,629 to $38,000.
Which state pays Amusement and Recreation Attendants the most?
District of Columbia, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $38,000. California is next at $37,393.
Is Amusement and Recreation Attendants a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 100,400 openings a year.
What education do Amusement and Recreation Attendants need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Amusement and Recreation Attendants afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $11,857 on a median wage of $38,000.