Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
O*NET 11-9072.00 · SOC 11-9072
Entertainment and Recreation Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $80k a year with +6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 5,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Schedule staff and coordinate logistics for recreational programs and events
- →Develop new recreational programs to attract and retain facility members
- →Oversee maintenance and safety inspections of recreational equipment and facilities
- →Manage ticket sales, reservations, and customer service for entertainment venues
- →Monitor event budgets and control costs to meet revenue targets
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Entertainment and Recreation Manager roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as an Entertainment and Recreation Manager? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Entertainment and Recreation Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Entertainment and Recreation Manager?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Entertainment and Recreation Manager Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Entertainment and Recreation Manager make?
The median Entertainment and Recreation Manager earns $80k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Entertainment and Recreation Manager jobs?
Our model puts Entertainment and Recreation Manager at 34 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Entertainment and Recreation Manager a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 5,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Entertainment and Recreation Manager?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Entertainment and Recreation Manager roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Entertainment and Recreation Manager?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Entertainment and Recreation Manager career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes