Recreation workers organize and lead activities that help people enjoy their leisure time. The work is social, creative, and involves planning events and programs. You'll need a bachelor's degree and considerable preparation to enter this field.
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Recreation workers design and run programs and activities for groups in parks, community centers, camps, and other settings. You'll schedule events, think creatively about new offerings, and communicate constantly with supervisors, colleagues, and participants. Your work involves getting information about what people want, making decisions about programming, and building strong relationships with the communities you serve. You'll also monitor activities to ensure safety and handle the logistics of keeping programs running smoothly.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Recreation Workers earn a median of $36,560 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 68,100 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most recreation worker positions require a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years to complete. Your education will cover customer service, public safety, education and training methods, and psychology. During your studies, you'll develop skills in active listening, speaking, critical thinking, and writing. Look for programs in hospitality, events, and tourism or related fields. Internships and volunteer experience in recreation settings will strengthen your preparation and help you build a professional network before you graduate.
Most paths to this career start with a bachelor's degree program. Since the education timeline and program focus matter, Pathly can map the recreation worker path that fits you with your counselor to map out a plan that fits your goals and interests.
You do not need a license to work as a recreation worker, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to work that centers on people. You enjoy helping others have good experiences, building relationships, and creating environments where people can thrive and connect.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).