How to become a Recreation Worker
Official title: Recreation Workers
Also called: Activities Assistant, Activities Director, Activity Aide, Activity Assistant, Activity Coordinator, Activity Director, Recreation Assistant, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor
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.
Main tasks
- 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.
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
- Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
How to become one
Recreation 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.
Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Recreation Assistant.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $36,560 a year The middle half earn $31,780 to $43,470.
- About 346,900 people work in this job now, and about 361,900 are projected by 2035. (+4.3%)
- People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Recreation Worker?
Recreation 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.
How much does a Recreation Worker earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $36,560 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $31,780 to $43,470.
Is a Recreation Worker a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 346,900 to about 361,900 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Recreation Worker?
Not always. 37% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Recreation Assistant.
Will AI change the work of a Recreation Worker?
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.