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Personal Care and Service

Recreation Workers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Recreation Workers
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Median pay

$35,380
Median annual pay for Recreation Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

68,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

327,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Recreation Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+13,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Law and Government
  6. 6Psychology

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Oral Expression
  3. 3Speech Clarity
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Speech Recognition

Career interests

  1. 1Social
  2. 2Enterprising
  3. 3Realistic
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Investigative

Work styles

  1. 1Cooperation
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Social Orientation
  4. 4Leadership Orientation
  5. 5Optimism
  6. 6Sincerity

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Thinking Creatively
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Scheduling Work and Activities
  5. 5Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  6. 6Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
  6. 6Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAppletreeCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteDatabase softwareGroupMeMicrosoft Internet ExplorerMicrosoft Publisher

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.