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The differences between activity coordinators 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 activity coordinator and a recreation assistant. Additionally, an activity coordinator has an average salary of $35,309, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.
The top three skills for an activity coordinator include customer service, patients and CPR. The most important skills for a recreation assistant are customer service, MDS, and recreation programs.
| Activity Coordinator | Recreation Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $35,309 | $31,040 |
| Hourly rate | $16.98 | $14.92 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 20,364 | 4,088 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An activity coordinator is someone who creates and plans activities, outings, and events in various settings. Typically, they oversee creating programs, staffing events, and supervising the implementation of activities. They generally report to the activity director or community manager. One of their tasks is to collaborate with directors of studies to schedule the activities. Other tasks include coordinating staff with the activities and informing them of the decisions regularly. Also, they strategize, coordinate, and encourage the members to participate in the activities.
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.
Activity coordinators and recreation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Activity Coordinator | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average salary | $35,309 | $31,040 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $44,000 | Between $20,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Barnstable Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | Mississippi | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | Medical University of South Carolina | National Park Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an activity coordinator and a recreation assistant in terms of educational background:
| Activity Coordinator | Recreation Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between activity coordinators' and recreation assistants' demographics:
| Activity Coordinator | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.4% Female, 71.6% | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% 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% |