What Recreation Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Recreation Workers this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety"; "Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies"; "Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities"; "Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary"; "Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Recreation Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 346,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 361,900 in 2035, an increase of 15,000 jobs (+4.3%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 67,000 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 19.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,560, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Recreation Workers earn the most
Across the 8 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $33,321 in Indiana to $40,741 in California, a gap of $7,420 (1.22 times). 5 of those 8 states average above the BLS national median of $36,560 and 3 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 47,930, which is 25.6% of the 187,250 counted across them. New York follows with 30,300.
Highest-paying states
California ($40,741), New Hampshire ($38,462) and Massachusetts ($38,355) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($33,321) and Illinois ($34,896) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Recreation Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 8 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 Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $8,977. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $9,379 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 5 of the 8 markets and falls short in 3. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 47.2% and 103.9% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Recreation Workers
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (39-9000) include Childcare Workers.
Frequently asked questions about Recreation Workers
What is the national median wage for Recreation Workers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $36,560. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $33,321 to $40,741.
Which state pays Recreation Workers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $40,741. New Hampshire is next at $38,462.
What is the job outlook for Recreation Workers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 67,000 openings a year.
What education do Recreation Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Recreation Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $8,977 on a median wage of $35,830.