Recreation Worker

Your Fit

Income

$35K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Recreation Worker?

A Recreation Worker designs and leads leisure activities for groups in public or private recreation facilities, community centers, or outdoor settings. They aim to provide enjoyable, engaging, and safe activities that cater to various interests and age groups.

Sample job titles:

Activities Director, Activity Aide, Activity Director, Recreation Supervisor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Recreation Worker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Recreation Worker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$26K per year	$30K per year	$35K per year	$41K per year	$50K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Recreation Worker do?

Work environment

Recreation Workers are found in diverse settings such as parks, recreational facilities, community centers, camps, and senior centers. They often work outdoors and their schedules can include evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak recreational periods.

Quick task list

Plans, organizes, and leads recreational activities.
Supervises the use of recreational facilities.
Ensures safety and compliance with regulations.
Manages resources and budgets for recreational programs.
Provides information and assistance to participants.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Outdoor Recreation Leader: Specializing in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and environmental education.
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: Working with individuals with disabilities or illnesses, using recreational activities for therapy and rehabilitation.
Senior Center Recreation Coordinator: Focusing on activities suitable for older adults, promoting social interaction and physical well-being.
Youth Sports Coach: Specializing in coaching children and teenagers in various sports.
Community Arts Program Coordinator: Organizing and leading arts and crafts, theater, music, and dance activities.

Description

Recreation Workers play a crucial role in enriching community life by offering a variety of recreational activities. They must be creative in designing programs that appeal to their target audience, whether it's children, adults, seniors, or specific groups like those with disabilities. Their work often involves collaborating with other community organizations and managing volunteers or subordinate staff.

Effective communication and organizational skills are essential, as they need to promote their programs, manage registrations, and ensure that activities run smoothly and safely. They should also be adaptable, able to handle unexpected changes in weather, attendance, or equipment needs.

The job is as rewarding as it is challenging, requiring a balance of energy, patience, and professionalism. Recreation Workers must be enthusiastic leaders and empathetic listeners, capable of creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all participants.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Positively impacting the community by promoting health, well-being, and social interaction.
Variety in daily tasks and creative freedom in program planning.
Interacting with diverse groups of people and seeing the enjoyment and development of participants.

You might make a good Recreation Worker if you are...

Energetic, enthusiastic, and enjoy working with people of all ages.
Creative in developing and implementing engaging activities.
Organized and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
A good communicator, both in leading activities and collaborating with others.
Compassionate and patient, with a knack for making activities inclusive and accessible.

Pros:

High level of interaction and engagement with the community.
Diverse work environment with opportunities for creativity.
Satisfaction from seeing the positive impact of your work.

Cons:

May require working irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
Can be physically demanding, with outdoor activities and setup.
Potential for stress in managing large groups and ensuring safety.

How to become a Recreation Worker

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required, but many employers prefer or require a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field. This equates to about 4 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education to understand basic sports and fitness principles.
Psychology to learn about human behavior and interaction.
First Aid and CPR certification.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in sports teams, drama clubs, or art classes.
Volunteering for community service or local events.
Leadership roles in clubs or student organizations.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in recreation, leisure studies, or a related field.
Gaining experience through internships or part-time jobs in recreational settings.
Seeking certifications related to specific interests like coaching, wilderness first aid, or aquatic safety.

More resources

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) - Offers resources and certification programs for recreation professionals.
American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) - Provides information and resources for therapeutic recreation.
The American Camp Association (ACA) - Offers resources and accreditation for camp professionals.
Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) - Provides resources and training for coaching various sports.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.