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.
Recreation Workers
SOC: 39-9032 O*NET: 39-9032.00
Median Salary
$35,380
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
68.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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 does a Recreation Workers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$25,640
10th percentile
Early Career
$30,460
25th percentile
Median
$35,380
50th percentile
Experienced
$41,120
75th percentile
Top Earners
$49,460
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$25,640
25th
$30,460
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$35,380
Mean: $37,170
75th
$41,120
90th
$49,460
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $23,820 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $30,460 and $41,120
- •Salary spread is 30.1% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 309,640 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:327,700
Top Industries
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities20.9%
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)11.8%
Other Services (except Public Administration)9.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.1%
Annual Openings:68,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)327,700
Current
2034 (Projected)341,100
+4.1%
+13,400
Employment Change
+4.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Recreation Workers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
48,580 jobs$37,5801.34x
New York
19,550 jobs$37,2701.02x
Florida
16,720 jobs$34,0700.85x
Texas
16,590 jobs$31,2900.60x
Illinois
16,150 jobs$33,8301.33x
Ohio
12,310 jobs$31,0301.11x
Arizona
11,820 jobs$35,3401.84x
Michigan
11,370 jobs$33,5201.29x
Massachusetts
10,730 jobs$36,9601.47x
Pennsylvania
10,540 jobs$34,0500.87x
North Carolina
9,020 jobs$31,6800.92x
Virginia
8,260 jobs$35,2601.01x
New Jersey
8,040 jobs$35,7200.94x
Georgia
7,610 jobs$31,5200.78x
Minnesota
6,430 jobs$37,5001.10x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Coordination
94%
#3
Service Orientation
86%
#4
Social Perceptiveness
80%
#5
Speaking
74%
#6
Monitoring
66%
#7
Instructing
60%
#8
Critical Thinking
54%
#9
Time Management
46%
#10
Complex Problem Solving
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Coordination
advanced4.7
94%
Service Orientation
intermediate4.3
86%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.0
80%
Speaking
intermediate3.7
74%
Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Instructing
intermediate3.0
60%
Critical Thinking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Coordination
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Instructing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Personal Care Aides90%
5 shared skills
Dental Hygienists82%
5 shared skills
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers82%
5 shared skills
Parking Enforcement Workers73%
5 shared skills
Helpers--Carpenters70%
5 shared skills
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Instructing
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Recreation Workers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)General Responsibilities (9)Management & Supervision (3)Analysis & Evaluation (2)Communication & Coordination (1)Planning & Development (3)Training & Development (1)
1
Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision94% perform96%
4
Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform88%
8
Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Management & Supervision76% perform84%
10
Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Recreation Workers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Recreation Workers professionals typically have a SER Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
EEnterprising
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Recreation Workers
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.73
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.65
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.62
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.61
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.61
Leadership
CriticalLeadership
Importance Level4.50
Complete Work Styles Profile
Self-Control
4.7
Integrity
4.7
Cooperation
4.6
Concern for Others
4.6
Dependability
4.6
Leadership
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.5
Independence
4.4
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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