Management
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Also called: Aquatic Program Manager, Camp Director, Events Manager, Golf Course Manager
US median pay
$79,520
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
5,100
43,900 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Plan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.
What they do day to day
- Write budgets to plan recreational activities or programs.
- Talk to coworkers using electronic devices, such as computers and radios.
- Talk to customers to convey information about events or activities.
- Plan programs of events or schedules of activities.
- Explain rules and regulations of facilities and entertainment attractions to customers.
- Calculate and record department expenses and revenue.
- Interview and hire associates to fill staff vacancies.
- Assign tasks and work hours to staff.
- Plan, organize, or lead group activities for customers, such as exercise routines, athletic events, or arts and crafts.
- Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.9/5
- Time Management3.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.8/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Service Orientation3.6/5
- Instructing3.6/5
- Persuasion3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.