What Does a Recreation Worker Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a recreation worker do?

Recreation workers design and lead leisure activities for groups in parks, camps, community centers, senior living and other settings. The median pay is $36,560 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–4 weeks, and employment is projected to grow +4.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$36,560
$17.58/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+4.3%
2025–35, about as fast as average
Openings per year
67,000
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
1–4 weeks
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
346,900
Employment, 2025

What recreation workers do

Recreation workers help people enjoy free time. They lead games, sports, crafts, outdoor adventures, fitness classes and special events, supervise participants, set up equipment and keep activities safe. They work in parks and recreation departments, camps, YMCAs, after-school programs, cruise ships and senior living communities.

Many positions require a high school diploma and on-the-job training; supervisory roles may require degrees in recreation. CPR and first aid are common requirements.

Typical duties

Plan and lead activities
Supervise participants
Set up and maintain equipment
Enforce safety rules
Organize special events
Register participants
Communicate with families

Work environment and schedule

Recreation workers work indoors and outdoors at parks, centers, camps and facilities.

Schedule: Many jobs are part-time or seasonal, with evenings, weekends and summers.

A day in the life

8:00 AMSet up for summer camp check-in.
9:00 AMLead team-building games.
10:30 AMSupervise swimming with lifeguards.
12:00 PMLead an arts and crafts project.

See a full day in the life of a recreation worker →

Recreation Worker salary

Half of recreation workers earned more than $36,560 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $27,600 for the lowest 10% to $50,410 for the top 10%.

$27,60010th$36,560Median$50,41090th

Full recreation worker pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a recreation worker

Get hired seasonally
Earn CPR and first aid
Gain experience
Take on leadership
Advance

A high school diploma is typical for many positions. Supervisors may need degrees in recreation or related fields.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a recreation worker →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Activity planning
Group leadership
First aid
Program registration
Equipment setup

People skills

Enthusiasm
Leadership
Patience
Creativity

All recreation worker skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Fun, active work
Great first job
Outdoor time
Path to parks and recreation careers

Cons

Seasonal and part-time
Modest pay
Weather exposure
Managing behavior

Certifications and licenses

CPR and first aid: Common requirement.
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP): NRPA credential for career professionals.
Lifeguard certification: For aquatics programs.
Youth development training: Programs from YMCA or camps.

Career path

Recreation Aide: Help with activities.
Recreation Leader: Lead programs.
Recreation Supervisor: Manage programs and staff.
Recreation Director: Lead departments.

Learn the job before day one

Our Recreation Worker training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as lead a group game and run a camp check-in, safety and how to land your first job.

View Recreation Worker training Is this career right for me?

Lifeguard

Watch over swimmers and respond fast to prevent drownings.

$33,580
1–2 weeks

Recreational Therapist

Use recreation and activities to help patients recover and live fully.

$61,960
4 years plus internship

Tour Guide

Lead travelers through cities, sites and outdoor adventures.

$38,120
1–3 months

Sports Coach

Teach sports skills, build teams and help athletes compete.

$47,320
Varies: certifications to a degree plus experience

Compare: Recreation Worker vs. Lifeguard · Recreation Worker vs. Recreational Therapist · Recreation Worker vs. Tour Guide · Recreation Worker vs. Sports Coach

Recreation Worker FAQ

Is recreation work seasonal?

Many jobs are, though some are year-round.

Can it become a career?

Yes, through parks and recreation management.

What certification helps?

The CPRP for career professionals.

How much does a recreation worker make?

The median annual wage for recreation workers was $36,560 ($17.58 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $27,600 and the highest 10% earned more than $50,410.

How long does it take to become a recreation worker?

Most people need about 1–4 weeks of training. A high school diploma is typical for many positions. Supervisors may need degrees in recreation or related fields.

Do you need a degree to be a recreation worker?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-9032 (Recreation workers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Recreation workers (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.

Recreation Worker