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Recreation Manager
Also called: Parks and Recreation Manager · Recreation Director · Community Center Manager · Aquatics Manager
What recreation managers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a recreation manager do?
Entertainment and recreation managers plan, direct and coordinate programs and facilities for recreation, including parks, community centers and sports programs. The median pay is $79,520 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Degree plus experience, and employment is projected to grow +6.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$79,520$38.23/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+6.0%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year5,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to trainDegree plus experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs43,900Employment, 2025
What recreation managers do
Recreation managers run fun for communities. They plan sports leagues, camps and classes, manage parks, pools and community centers, hire and train staff, manage budgets and keep facilities safe.
A bachelor’s degree and some experience are typical. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Plan programs
- Manage facilities
- Hire and train staff
- Manage budgets
- Ensure safety
- Market programs
- Work with community groups
Work environment and schedule
Managers work at parks, community centers, pools and offices.
Schedule: Full time, with evenings, weekends and busy summers.
A day in the life
- Check registrations.
- Meet camp staff.
- Inspect the pool.
- Plan a fall league.
See a full day in the life of a recreation manager →
Recreation Manager salary
Half of recreation managers earned more than $79,520 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $46,270 for the lowest 10% to $139,110 for the top 10%.
Full recreation manager pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a recreation manager
- Earn a recreation degree
- Work as a recreation leader
- Coordinate programs
- Earn the CPRP
- Become a manager
A bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks management or a related field is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a recreation manager →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Program planning
- Facility management
- Budgeting
- Staff training
- Risk management
People skills
- Leadership
- Communication
- Creativity
- Organization
All recreation manager skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- Community impact
- Active environment
- Public benefits
Cons
- Evenings and weekends
- Seasonal rushes
- Budget limits
- Staffing teens
Certifications and licenses
- CPRP: Certified Park and Recreation Professional.
- Aquatic Facility Operator: Pool certification.
- CPR and first aid: Required.
- Playground safety inspector: CPSI.
Career path
- Recreation Leader: Entry.
- Program Coordinator: Plan.
- Recreation Manager: Lead.
- Parks and Recreation Director: Lead department.
Learn the job before day one
Our Recreation Manager training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as plan a summer day camp and build a recreation program budget, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Recreation Manager vs. Kinesiology Professor · Recreation Manager vs. Event Planner · Recreation Manager vs. Lifeguard · Recreation Manager vs. Sports Coach
Recreation Manager FAQ
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
What is the CPRP?
A credential from the National Recreation and Park Association.
Do I need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s.
How much does a recreation manager make?
The median annual wage for recreation managers was $79,520 ($38.23 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,270 and the highest 10% earned more than $139,110.
How long does it take to become a recreation manager?
Most people need about Degree plus experience of training. A bachelor’s degree in recreation, parks management or a related field is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a recreation manager?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More recreation manager questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 11-9072 (Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Entertainment and recreation managers, except gambling (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.