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What is an activity coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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An activity coordinator plans and organizes events, outings, and recreational activities for various groups. They may work in community centers, nursing homes, and schools. An activity coordinator aims to create enjoyable and engaging programs that promote social interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation. They typically collaborate with staff members, volunteers, and community organizations to plan and execute events. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

ScoreActivity CoordinatorUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,309

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.1

Growth Rate 10%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.67%

Asian 5.13%

Black or African American 11.65%

Hispanic or Latino 15.59%

Unknown 5.61%

White 61.35%

Gender

female 71.57%

male 28.43%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
9.1

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.5

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Activity Coordinator?

Pros

  • Flexibility in scheduling and work environment

  • Potential for career growth within the field

  • Exposure to various cultures and backgrounds of residents

  • Ability to bring joy and happiness to others through activities

  • Opportunity to work with a diverse group of people

Cons

  • Can be emotionally draining when residents are unresponsive or disinterested

  • Often requires working weekends and holidays

  • Budget constraints may limit the types of activities that can be planned

  • May require working with limited resources or supplies

  • Can be physically demanding at times

Activity Coordinator career paths

Key steps to become an activity coordinator

  1. Explore activity coordinator education requirements

    Most common activity coordinator degrees

    Bachelor's

    60.6 %

    Associate

    15.0 %

    High School Diploma

    11.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific activity coordinator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service26.69%
    Patients20.26%
    CPR12.31%
    PowerPoint3.39%
    Memory Care3.38%
  3. Complete relevant activity coordinator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New activity coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an activity coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real activity coordinator resumes.
  4. Gain additional activity coordinator certifications

    Activity coordinator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific activity coordinator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for activity coordinators include Activity Director Certified (ADC) and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research activity coordinator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage safety accident reports and ensure that all staff is CPR and a certified.
    • Manage and coordinate the workload of the release team members and are responsible for organizing and hosting all production release windows.
    • Direct and implement recreational programs, including adult and youth sports, aquatics, community center and special events.
    • Assist clients in reaching their ISP goals.
  6. Prepare your activity coordinator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your activity coordinator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an activity coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Activity Coordinator Resume templates

    Build a professional Activity Coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Activity Coordinator resume.
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    Activity Coordinator Resume
    Activity Coordinator Resume
  7. Apply for activity coordinator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an activity coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Activity Coordinator Job

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Average activity coordinator salary

The average Activity Coordinator salary in the United States is $35,309 per year or $17 per hour. Activity coordinator salaries range between $28,000 and $44,000 per year.

Average Activity Coordinator Salary
$35,309 Yearly
$16.98 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do activity coordinators rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Activity Coordinator reviews

profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

I like the engagement of helping my residents in actives, such as arts and crafts.

Cons

Really there is nothing I do not like, because my job is to entertain and bring enjoyment to my community. I like to see the smiles of residents as they achieve a craft, it makes feel proud knowing I did that.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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