Recreation Workers
O*NET 39-9032.00 · SOC 39-9032
Recreation Worker is a solid career choice. Median pay is $37k a year with +4.3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 67,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Organize and lead recreational activities for program participants
- →Monitor participant safety during sports and outdoor events
- →Schedule facility use and reserve equipment for programs
- →Develop seasonal recreation programs for community members
- →Maintain and inspect recreational equipment for safe use
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Recreation Worker 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
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
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 a Recreation Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Recreation Worker?
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 Recreation Worker Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Recreation Workers is projected to grow 4.3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
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 a Recreation Worker make?
The median Recreation Worker earns $37k 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 Recreation Worker jobs?
Our model puts Recreation Worker at 15 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 41% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Recreation Worker a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 67,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Recreation Worker?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Recreation Worker roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Recreation Worker?
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 a Recreation Worker 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.
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