How to become an operator or attendant in amusement, recreation and sport
Official title: Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
Also called: J-bar operator, Park attendant, Ride attendant, Rink attendant, T-bar operator, J-bar attendant, T-bar attendant, Gondola operator, Ski tow operator, Sports attendant, Carousel operator, Leisure attendant
Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport assist patrons, collect tickets and fees and supervise the use of recreational and sports equipment. They are employed by amusement parks, fairs, exhibitions, carnivals, arenas, billiard parlours, bowling alleys, golf courses, ski centres, tennis clubs, campgrounds and other recreational and sports facilities.
Main tasks
- Amusement attraction operators
- Drive trucks, vans and other vehicles to transport amusement rides, games and other attractions to amusement attraction sites
- Set up rides, fun houses, game concessions and other amusement attractions
- Perform routine maintenance and safety inspections of attraction equipment
- Operate rides and other attractions, oversee game activities and ensure safety of participants
- May sell tickets
- Attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
- Collect tickets and fees, and rent or sell sports and accessory equipment
How to become one
Some secondary school education may be required. On-the-job training is usually provided.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $34,125 a year The middle half earn $31,200 to $40,950.
- About 65,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 76,100 are projected by 2033. (+16.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an operator or attendant in amusement, recreation and sport?
Some secondary school education may be required. On-the-job training is usually provided.
How much does an operator or attendant in amusement, recreation and sport earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $34,125 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $31,200 to $40,950.
Is an operator or attendant in amusement, recreation and sport a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2033, from about 65,200 to about 76,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an operator or attendant in amusement, recreation and sport?
Usually not. Only 12% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03