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Recreation Workers
SOC: 39-9032 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET
What They Do
Recreation Workers typically perform the following tasks:
• 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.
• Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
• Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
• Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.
• Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.
• Meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants.
• Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.
• Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.
• Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.
Career Video
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor
Key facts
Median: $35,380
Employment: 327,700
Growth (2024–2034):
+4.0%
Education:
High school diploma
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Intelligence Metrics
Automation Risk Assessment
Medium RiskWork-Life Balance Score
8.0/10Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
5.6
Realistic
4.6
Investigative
6.6
Artistic
8.8
Social
5.6
Enterprising
5.4
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling
Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.
Top Skills
Communication skills
Flexibility
Interpersonal skills
Leadership skills
Motivational skills
Strengths
- High Demand
- Flexible Work
- Continuous Learning
Challenges
- Burnout Risk
- Rapid Technological Change
Median Salary Comparison
Employment projection (2024–2034)
Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis
BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05States with Highest Employment
- 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
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)
Regional Wage Variations
-
California +6%$37,580
-
New York 5%$37,270
-
Florida -4%$34,070
-
Texas -12%$31,290
-
Illinois -4%$33,830
-
Ohio -12%$31,030
-
Arizona 0%$35,340
-
Michigan -5%$33,520
-
Massachusetts 4%$36,960
-
Pennsylvania -4%$34,050
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High
Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High
Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium
Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium
Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High
Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Nursing and residential care facilities
85%
Educational services; state, local, and private
70%
Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South