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Community program assistant vs activity assistant

The differences between community program assistants and activity assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a community program assistant and an activity assistant. Additionally, a community program assistant has an average salary of $35,093, which is higher than the $29,611 average annual salary of an activity assistant.

The top three skills for a community program assistant include phone calls, data entry and public health. The most important skills for an activity assistant are patients, home health, and rehabilitation.

Community program assistant vs activity assistant overview

Community Program AssistantActivity Assistant
Yearly salary$35,093$29,611
Hourly rate$16.87$14.24
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs123,12925,038
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

What does a community program assistant do?

Community program assistants provide administrative support by answering phone calls and answering emails and processing paperwork. The assistants establish training documents, perform data entry, and conduct research. They do fundamental administrative tasks like managing and filing schedules. It is part of their job to assist in planning events and giving budget oversight. Among the skills that are necessary for this job include customer service, human resources, data entry, special education, and communication.

What does an activity assistant do?

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.

Community program assistant vs activity assistant salary

Community program assistants and activity assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Community Program AssistantActivity Assistant
Average salary$35,093$29,611
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $43,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityBrick, NJWashington, DC
Highest paying stateNorth DakotaMaine
Best paying companyIlitch HoldingsSmithsonian Institution
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between community program assistant and activity assistant education

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

Community Program AssistantActivity Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityCalifornia State University - Fullerton

Community program assistant vs activity assistant demographics

Here are the differences between community program assistants' and activity assistants' demographics:

Community Program AssistantActivity Assistant
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 23.9% Female, 76.1%Male, 16.8% Female, 83.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 7.3% White, 52.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%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%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between community program assistant and activity assistant duties and responsibilities

Community program assistant example responsibilities.

  • Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation where applicable.
  • Provide implementation and oversight of multiple tracking systems for safety regulation adherence, record maintenance, and internal and external interactions.
  • Create community partnerships in addiction ministry and education resulting in ecumenical collaboration surrounding the issues of addiction and recovery.

Activity assistant example responsibilities.

  • Prevent or manage aggressive behavior among individuals and administer CPR in emergency intervention.
  • Coordinate and manage group sessions, including recreational activities for senior citizens and occupational therapy with stroke patients.
  • Assist children with homework assignments, peer mediation, social skills and daily program activities.
  • Plan and execute a variety of enjoyable activities for residents and rehabilitation patients in a safe environment.
  • Post daily to Facebook page and also all waitress duties.
  • Conduct dog walks and in home pet sits with precision.
  • Show more

Community program assistant vs activity assistant skills

Common community program assistant skills
  • Phone Calls, 11%
  • Data Entry, 10%
  • Public Health, 9%
  • Social Services, 8%
  • Community Outreach, 6%
  • Assistance Program, 5%
Common activity assistant skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Home Health, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 8%
  • Senior Care, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Good Judgment, 7%

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