Post job

Assistant activity director vs recreation assistant

The differences between assistant activity directors 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 assistant activity director and a recreation assistant. Additionally, an assistant activity director has an average salary of $39,926, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.

The top three skills for an assistant activity director include student organizations, event planning and bed facility. The most important skills for a recreation assistant are customer service, MDS, and recreation programs.

Assistant activity director vs recreation assistant overview

Assistant Activity DirectorRecreation Assistant
Yearly salary$39,926$31,040
Hourly rate$19.20$14.92
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs9,4924,088
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

Assistant activity director vs recreation assistant salary

Assistant activity directors and recreation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Assistant Activity DirectorRecreation Assistant
Average salary$39,926$31,040
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $62,000Between $20,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBarnstable Town, MA
Highest paying stateMississippiWest Virginia
Best paying companyUMiami Health SystemNational Park Foundation
Best paying industryEducationHealth Care

Differences between assistant activity director and recreation assistant education

There are a few differences between an assistant activity director and a recreation assistant in terms of educational background:

Assistant Activity DirectorRecreation Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Assistant activity director vs recreation assistant demographics

Here are the differences between assistant activity directors' and recreation assistants' demographics:

Assistant Activity DirectorRecreation Assistant
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 23.1% Female, 76.9%Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.2% 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between assistant activity director and recreation assistant duties and responsibilities

Assistant activity director example responsibilities.

  • Manage pet therapy/pat visitation protocol.
  • Review goals and progress notes; document MDS reports and progress notes.
  • Play bingo, exercise, watch movies, dance, garden, etc.
  • Conduct varies activities with patients including; bingo, gardening, crocheting, cooking, and socializing.
  • Complete and update state require paperwork such as assessments, notes, attendance, care plans, and MDS.
  • Provide quality and empathetic care for older adults with Alzheimer's type dementia, confusion, or other limiting disabilities.
  • Show more

Recreation assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage one-on-one and group social and physical sessions with long-term nursing and short-term rehabilitation residents
  • Assist multiple MWR facilities with the upkeep, accountability and sanitation of workout and rehabilitation equipment.
  • Respond to emergency situation and administering first aid and CPR when need.
  • Assist in the setup and operation of major MWR events, such as Oktoberfest and fund raising concerts.
  • Coordinate large events/gatherings in accordance with MWR procedures, including reserving special locations, food & beverage and entertainment.
  • Conduct therapeutic groups such as ADL skills, team building, self expression and skill building amongst all age groups.
  • Show more

Assistant activity director vs recreation assistant skills

Common assistant activity director skills
  • Student Organizations, 11%
  • Event Planning, 10%
  • Bed Facility, 10%
  • MDS, 7%
  • Alzheimer, 5%
  • Front Desk, 5%
Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%

Browse personal care and attendants jobs