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The differences between activity assistants and assistant program coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both an activity assistant and an assistant program coordinator. Additionally, an assistant program coordinator has an average salary of $41,444, which is higher than the $29,611 average annual salary of an activity assistant.
The top three skills for an activity assistant include patients, home health and rehabilitation. The most important skills for an assistant program coordinator are CPR, developmental disabilities, and mental health.
| Activity Assistant | Assistant Program Coordinator | |
| Yearly salary | $29,611 | $41,444 |
| Hourly rate | $14.24 | $19.93 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 25,038 | 102,959 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
Activity assistants are the ones who organize and execute activities in different settings, including recreation centers, camps, cruise ships, and retirement or nursing homes. They design programs to encourage physical activity, increase socialization, deliver continuing education, and provide entertainment. They are also the ones who handle logistics, select and demonstrate activities, maintain proper equipment, and ensure the safety of participants. They can work full-time, part-time, or seasonally in different settings depending on the kind of clients that they cater to.
An assistant program coordinator performs administrative support tasks and assists in organizing programs and activities under a program coordinator's supervision. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring the expenditures and schedules, preparing and processing documents, handling calls and correspondence, creating requests and proposals, communicating with vendors and suppliers, and updating records. They must also assist staff in various tasks and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. When it comes to employment opportunities, an assistant program coordinator may work at learning institutions, government agencies, and private companies.
Activity assistants and assistant program coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Activity Assistant | Assistant Program Coordinator | |
| Average salary | $29,611 | $41,444 |
| Salary range | Between $23,000 And $37,000 | Between $29,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Santa Cruz, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Smithsonian Institution | Emory University |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between an activity assistant and an assistant program coordinator in terms of educational background:
| Activity Assistant | Assistant Program Coordinator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Business | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Fullerton | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between activity assistants' and assistant program coordinators' demographics:
| Activity Assistant | Assistant Program Coordinator | |
| Average age | 43 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 16.8% Female, 83.2% | Male, 33.4% Female, 66.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.0% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1% | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 7.3% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |