What Do Recreation Worker Do?
Job Description & Duties 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 Worker Responsibilities
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
- Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
- Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
- Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Recreation Worker Should Know How to Do
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.
Types of Recreation Worker Jobs
- Activity Leader
- Therapeutic Activities Services Worker
- Recreation Activities Coordinator
- Summer Camp Counselor
- Play Leader
Is There Going to be Demand for Recreation Workers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 390,000 jobs in the United States for Recreation Worker. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 70,700 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Recreation Workers 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Recreation Workers
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 do I Become a Recreation Worker?
Are there Recreation Workers education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Recreation Worker?

Where do Recreation Workers Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Recreation Workers employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Career changers with experience as a Recreation Worker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
- Health Educators
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |