Personal Care & Service
Recreation Workers
Also called: Activities Assistant, Activities Director, Activity Aide, Activity Assistant
US median pay
$36,560
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+4.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
67,000
346,900 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Service Orientation4.0/5
- Coordination4.0/5
- Instructing3.8/5
- Time Management3.2/5
- Persuasion3.1/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.1/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.1/5
Knowledge
- English Language4.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
- Psychology3.2/5
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): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree62%
- High school diploma25%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.