All About Recreation Workers
Job Description: 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.
Life As a Recreation Worker: What Do They Do?
- Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.
- Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
- Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Recreation Worker?
When polled, Recreation Workers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Related Job Titles
- Community Program Assistant
- Youth Worker
- Activities Director
- Recreational Leader
- Therapeutic Recreation Director
Are There Job Opportunities for Recreation Workers?
There were about 390,000 jobs for Recreation Worker in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 33,900 new jobs for Recreation Worker by 2026. The BLS estimates 70,700 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Recreation Worker are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, New Mexico, or Connecticut. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Recreation Worker Make?
The average yearly salary of a Recreation Worker ranges between $18,470 and $42,670.
Recreation Workers who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or South Dakota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Recreation Workers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $23,590 |
| Alaska | $40,410 |
| Arizona | $27,420 |
| Arkansas | $24,040 |
| California | $31,180 |
| Colorado | $31,110 |
| Connecticut | $30,930 |
| Delaware | $28,430 |
| District of Columbia | $50,160 |
| Florida | $27,530 |
| Georgia | $27,060 |
| Hawaii | $31,280 |
| Idaho | $30,300 |
| Illinois | $25,810 |
| Indiana | $24,600 |
| Iowa | $26,920 |
| Kansas | $26,790 |
| Kentucky | $30,000 |
| Louisiana | $23,390 |
| Maine | $29,790 |
| Maryland | $26,690 |
| Massachusetts | $30,820 |
| Michigan | $26,290 |
| Minnesota | $29,390 |
| Mississippi | $26,170 |
| Missouri | $26,490 |
| Montana | $29,300 |
| Nebraska | $27,320 |
| Nevada | $24,540 |
| New Hampshire | $31,560 |
| New Jersey | $29,530 |
| New Mexico | $23,190 |
| New York | $33,150 |
| North Carolina | $28,610 |
| North Dakota | $31,470 |
| Ohio | $25,850 |
| Oklahoma | $25,790 |
| Oregon | $31,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $26,770 |
| Rhode Island | $28,820 |
| South Carolina | $26,340 |
| South Dakota | $33,810 |
| Tennessee | $25,060 |
| Texas | $25,150 |
| Utah | $26,590 |
| Vermont | $30,300 |
| Virginia | $27,300 |
| Washington | $33,570 |
| West Virginia | $22,990 |
| Wisconsin | $25,210 |
| Wyoming | $29,420 |
What Tools & Technology do Recreation Workers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Recreation Workers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Database software
- Microsoft Publisher
- Scheduling software
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- YouTube
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Desktop publishing software
- Recordkeeping software
- Charting software
How to Become a Recreation Worker
What kind of Recreation Worker requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Recreation Workers?
Below are examples of industries where Recreation Workers work:
Similar Careers
Are you already one of the many Recreation Worker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
- Health Educators
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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