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The differences between activities aides and recreation assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an activities aide and a recreation assistant. Additionally, a recreation assistant has an average salary of $31,040, which is higher than the $27,892 average annual salary of an activities aide.
The top three skills for an activities aide include patients, rehabilitation and PET. The most important skills for a recreation assistant are customer service, MDS, and recreation programs.
| Activities Aide | Recreation Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $27,892 | $31,040 |
| Hourly rate | $13.41 | $14.92 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 41,842 | 4,088 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An activity aide is responsible for facilitating recreation activities under the supervision of a recreation leader within nursing homes or other related institutions. Activity aides ensure the adequacy of resources and supplies according to the activity's instructions and budget limitations. They also reiterate the safety protocols and guidelines to the participants, as well as conducting inspections of the facilities to prevent potential hazards. An activity aide must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports and escalating concerns for immediate resolution.
A recreational assistant is responsible for performing administrative support tasks while under the supervision of a recreational manager. Their duties revolve around planning various activities that align with the company's vision and mission, such as sporting events and other fun games. They also participate in arranging equipment and supplies such as tables and stages, facilitating programs, securing necessary permits and documentation, responding to calls and inquiries, and assisting participants. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with all workers and adhere to company policies and regulations.
Activities aides and recreation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Activities Aide | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average salary | $27,892 | $31,040 |
| Salary range | Between $21,000 And $35,000 | Between $20,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Guilderland, NY | Barnstable Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York | National Park Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an activities aide and a recreation assistant in terms of educational background:
| Activities Aide | Recreation Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Minnesota State University - Mankato | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between activities aides' and recreation assistants' demographics:
| Activities Aide | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 17.2% Female, 82.8% | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.4% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |