Recreation Workers

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 you'd actually do

• 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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work splits time indoors and out; you're around people constantly. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.4% of recreation workers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are people-focused, take-charge and hands-on.

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Quick questions

How much does a recreation worker make?

The median pay is $17.58 per hour — roughly $36,500 a year, with the real range running from about $13.27/hr (10th percentile) to $24.24/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a recreation worker?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a recreation worker actually do all day?

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.