Overview
SourcedConduct 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.
O*NET definition of Recreation Workers (SOC 39-9032) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.
O*NET definition of First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services (SOC 39-1014) · Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed.
Occupation figures cover every job classified under SOC 39-9032, including Recreation Leader / Aide.
Titles employers use
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership; U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database; GovJobsWiki job taxonomy v1 (research round R240) (editorial). Data captured September 30, 2026.
Requirements
Sourced- Education needed to enter
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Education needed to enter
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- None
Education workers say the job requires
Share of surveyed workers in Recreation Workers (SOC 39-9032) naming each level as required to be hired, 27 respondents, O*NET survey July 2017. Each employer sets its own minimum.
Education workers say the job requires
Share of surveyed workers in First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services (SOC 39-1014) naming each level as required to be hired, 28 respondents, O*NET survey August 2026. Each employer sets its own minimum.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4); U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.
How to get hired
SourcedRecreation workers typically need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, although requirements may vary by type of job. Once hired, these workers typically need a short period of on-the-job training.
From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Recreation Workers”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–35 edition (XML compilation). Data captured September 30, 2026.
Academy and training
Sourced- SOC 39-9032
- Short-term on-the-job training
- SOC 39-1014
- None
- Job zone
- Considerable Preparation Needed
Academy length, curriculum and paid-training policies are set by each employer and state; they are part of the employer collection stage.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4). Data captured September 30, 2026.
Promotion ladder
EditorialCivil-service class series: civil-service class series I → II → III → senior → supervisor → manager, each with a salary range. Typical structure for a civil-service class series; titles, steps and timing differ by employer.
- Trainee / Assistant
- Level I
- Level II (journey)
- Level III / Senior
- Lead / Principal
- Supervisor
- Manager
- Director / Division Chief
Source: GovJobsWiki job taxonomy v1 (research round R240) (editorial).
Pay
SourcedRecreation Workers (SOC 39-9032)
Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.
| Employer type | Workers | 10th pct. | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | 1,740 | $45,680 | $53,290 | $73,320 | $85,280 | $96,370 |
| State | 10,840 | $27,940 | $35,010 | $38,890 | $47,870 | $57,050 |
| Local | 116,040 | $27,320 | $31,970 | $36,520 | $43,130 | $52,470 |
| All government | 128,620 | $27,520 | $32,220 | $36,630 | $44,470 | $55,400 |
| Private sector | 202,870 | $27,640 | $31,560 | $36,520 | $43,180 | $48,840 |
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services (SOC 39-1014)
Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.
| Employer type | Workers | 10th pct. | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | 1,780 | $40,600 | $48,210 | $58,870 | $70,430 | $80,510 |
| Local | 21,900 | $36,570 | $46,590 | $60,980 | $77,680 | $94,760 |
| All government | 23,690 | $36,670 | $46,760 | $60,870 | $77,280 | $93,880 |
| Private sector | 79,510 | $34,320 | $38,650 | $46,910 | $59,290 | $74,300 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Schedule
SourcedShare of surveyed workers in the occupation (O*NET work context, July 2017). Shift patterns and differentials depend on the employer.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Day-to-day work
Sourced- Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.4.3
- Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.4.3
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.4.3
- Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.4.2
- Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.4.2
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.4.1
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.4.1
- Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.4.0
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.4.0
- Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.4.0
The 10 most important of 18 core tasks for Recreation Workers, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of July 2017.
- Assign work schedules, following work requirements, to ensure quality and timely delivery of service.4.3
- Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.4.3
- Furnish customers with information on events or activities.4.3
- Collaborate with staff members to plan or develop programs of events or schedules of activities.4.2
- Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.4.1
- Plan, direct, or supervise recreational and entertainment activities led by staff, such as sports, aquatics, games, or performing arts.4.1
- Direct or coordinate the activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.4.0
- Recruit and hire staff members.4.0
- Inform workers about interests or special needs of specific groups.3.9
- Provide staff with assistance in performing difficult or complicated duties.3.9
The 10 most important of 19 core tasks for First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Related jobs
DerivedBy state
SourcedMedian annual wage for Recreation Workers (SOC 39-9032) in each state, all employers (BLS state estimates do not separate government from private). Highest first.
| State | Workers | 10th pct. | Median | 90th pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 470 | $37,990 | $46,460 | $66,750 |
| Washington | 6,380 | $35,660 | $44,890 | $59,790 |
| South Dakota | 650 | $32,390 | $42,270 | $60,470 |
| Hawaii | 1,590 | $31,690 | $41,000 | $45,270 |
| California | 48,560 | $35,900 | $39,780 | $56,150 |
| Oregon | 4,640 | $32,330 | $39,610 | $56,730 |
| Colorado | 6,100 | $31,080 | $38,820 | $53,580 |
| Massachusetts | 11,280 | $32,910 | $38,540 | $50,090 |
| New York | 24,790 | $33,260 | $38,040 | $54,610 |
| Alaska | 630 | $36,720 | $37,510 | $66,140 |
| Minnesota | 7,940 | $29,460 | $37,510 | $52,190 |
| Maine | 1,260 | $30,790 | $37,450 | $53,620 |
| Vermont | 840 | $32,130 | $37,450 | $51,310 |
| North Dakota | 730 | $22,250 | $37,310 | $54,000 |
| Maryland | 4,350 | $32,390 | $37,200 | $56,160 |
| New Hampshire | 2,030 | $27,040 | $37,040 | $51,240 |
| New Jersey | 7,550 | $32,220 | $36,880 | $49,240 |
| Connecticut | 5,000 | $34,010 | $36,610 | $51,340 |
| Rhode Island | 770 | $31,290 | $36,340 | $52,920 |
| Virginia | 9,260 | $27,390 | $36,120 | $53,800 |
| Arizona | 12,650 | $31,130 | $35,800 | $51,310 |
| Pennsylvania | 9,850 | $24,940 | $35,710 | $55,030 |
| Wisconsin | 6,840 | $26,440 | $35,530 | $50,980 |
| Florida | 18,010 | $29,130 | $35,490 | $49,130 |
| Illinois | 17,650 | $31,200 | $35,480 | $47,480 |
| Michigan | 10,850 | $29,020 | $35,090 | $47,740 |
| Montana | 800 | $29,070 | $35,090 | $50,020 |
| Nebraska | 1,510 | $28,520 | $34,590 | $46,500 |
| Missouri | 5,380 | $28,600 | $34,320 | $46,830 |
| Delaware | 1,230 | $31,200 | $33,790 | $44,930 |
| Iowa | 2,870 | $24,420 | $33,700 | $46,740 |
| Tennessee | 3,420 | $23,960 | $33,580 | $46,550 |
| Utah | 5,760 | $22,520 | $32,890 | $47,450 |
| North Carolina | 9,520 | $22,060 | $32,720 | $50,810 |
| Texas | 18,660 | $22,910 | $32,720 | $47,870 |
| Georgia | 8,160 | $22,340 | $32,540 | $48,870 |
| Ohio | 12,340 | $24,580 | $32,420 | $47,220 |
| Kentucky | 3,290 | $22,770 | $32,400 | $46,120 |
| New Mexico | 870 | $26,510 | $31,900 | $52,960 |
| Kansas | 2,990 | $22,160 | $31,760 | $45,250 |
| Oklahoma | 2,380 | $21,330 | $31,580 | $47,390 |
| South Carolina | 5,270 | $21,050 | $31,420 | $48,230 |
| Wyoming | 790 | $25,720 | $30,720 | $49,300 |
| Indiana | 8,050 | $22,470 | $30,190 | $45,710 |
| Nevada | 2,570 | $26,930 | $30,150 | $50,220 |
| Idaho | 2,080 | $21,150 | $30,100 | $50,370 |
| West Virginia | 1,410 | $22,340 | $29,710 | $53,400 |
| Louisiana | 2,830 | $19,300 | $28,580 | $45,320 |
| Alabama | 4,700 | $19,150 | $28,360 | $45,110 |
| Mississippi | 2,220 | $19,350 | $28,060 | $40,710 |
| Arkansas | 1,740 | $23,700 | $27,770 | $42,530 |
51 states with published estimates.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.
Not yet collected
These dimensions are part of every job page. We publish them only once they are sourced from official documents such as job postings, pay plans, union contracts and state standards.
- 05 ProbationNot yet collectedProbation length and what ends it
- 09 Benefits and pensionNot yet collectedPension plan/tier and formula, retirement age/years, DROP, retiree health, Social Security coverage, 457(b), PSLF eligibility
- 10 Union contractsNot yet collectedBargaining unit, union, current CBA (source link, effective dates)
- 11 Transfers and lateral entryNot yet collectedLateral policy, certification reciprocity, lateral bonus, inter-agency moves
- 14 Exam practiceNot yet collectedNamed exams → OpenExamPrep practice
- 15 Employer directoryNot yet collectedL4 directory: every employer that hires this job, each with its own facet values