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The differences between activities aides and recreation leaders 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 leader. Additionally, a recreation leader has an average salary of $30,040, 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 leader are CPR, customer service, and recreation programs.
| Activities Aide | Recreation Leader | |
| Yearly salary | $27,892 | $30,040 |
| Hourly rate | $13.41 | $14.44 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 41,842 | 35,684 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| 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.
The primary role of recreation leaders is to encourage recreational and sporting activities in various settings such as schools, parks, and youth centers. Their job requires them to motivate others to work as a team member while also promoting good morals and sportsmanship. They develop recreational and sports programs best suited for their company's client base. Other duties also include advertising the availability of recreational activities, securing funding for special events and projects, and adhering to safety practices.
Activities aides and recreation leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Activities Aide | Recreation Leader | |
| Average salary | $27,892 | $30,040 |
| Salary range | Between $21,000 And $35,000 | Between $23,000 And $37,000 |
| Highest paying City | Guilderland, NY | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Nebraska |
| Best paying company | Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York | University of California, Berkeley |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between an activities aide and a recreation leader in terms of educational background:
| Activities Aide | Recreation Leader | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Minnesota State University - Mankato | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between activities aides' and recreation leaders' demographics:
| Activities Aide | Recreation Leader | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 17.2% Female, 82.8% | Male, 43.8% Female, 56.2% |
| 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, 10.1% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |