Recreation Workers in Illinois
Want to work as a Recreation Workers in Illinois? Here’s what you need to know. 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 do Recreation Workers Make in Illinois?
The recreation workers working in Illinois, the median annual wage is $33,830 per year (or about $16.26/hour).Earnings range from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $45,270 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 25th percentile | $30,480 | $14.65 |
| Median (50th) | $33,830 | $16.26 |
| 75th percentile | $36,870 | $17.72 |
| 90th percentile | $45,270 | $21.77 |
The job concentration index in Illinois nationwide is 1.33, suggesting that recreation workers are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, recreation workers earn a median of $41,302 per year ($19.86/hour), below the Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 74,944 recreation workers across the United States. In Illinois alone, around 16,150 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 3,430 recreation workers.
Top Illinois Metros for Recreation Workers
The metro areas below employ the most recreation workers in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 12,260 | $34,100 |
| Peoria, IL | 600 | $31,510 |
| Bloomington, IL | 330 | $31,910 |
| Springfield, IL | 280 | $30,070 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 270 | $30,420 |
| Rockford, IL | 220 | $31,270 |
| Kankakee, IL | 120 | $30,040 |
| Decatur, IL | 80 | $31,200 |
Top States for Recreation Workers Employment
The table below shows the states where the most recreation workers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 48,580 |
| New York | 19,550 |
| Florida | 16,720 |
| Texas | 16,590 |
| Illinois | 16,150 |
| Ohio | 12,310 |
| Arizona | 11,820 |
| Michigan | 11,370 |
| Massachusetts | 10,730 |
| Pennsylvania | 10,540 |
| North Carolina | 9,020 |
| Virginia | 8,260 |
| New Jersey | 8,040 |
| Georgia | 7,610 |
| Minnesota | 6,430 |
| Wisconsin | 6,320 |
| Indiana | 6,150 |
| Utah | 5,950 |
| Missouri | 5,530 |
| Colorado | 4,900 |
Highest-Paying States for Recreation Workers
These states pay the most for recreation workers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $45,760 |
| Washington | $43,850 |
| South Dakota | $41,380 |
| Alaska | $39,830 |
| North Dakota | $37,920 |
| California | $37,580 |
| Minnesota | $37,500 |
| Oregon | $37,440 |
| New York | $37,270 |
| Vermont | $37,160 |
Skills
Top recreation workers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for recreation workers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks 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.
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
- Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
- Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
- Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
- Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.
- Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Thinking Creatively
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Processing Information
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Outdoor Education
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Related Careers
Related occupations to recreation workers include:
- Training and Development Managers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Also Known As
Activities Aide, Activities Assistant, Activities Associate, Activities Coordinator, Activities Counselor, Activities Director, Activities Leader, Activity Aide, Activity Assistant, Activity Coordinator, Activity Director, Activity Leader, Activity Specialist, Camp Advisor, Camp Counselor.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 39-9032.00
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