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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 698 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 861 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 949 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 935 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 932 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $165,498 | $79.57 | +7.9% |
| 2024 | $153,336 | $73.72 | +5.1% |
| 2023 | $145,829 | $70.11 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $142,803 | $68.66 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $138,904 | $66.78 | +2.4% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 195 | 22% |
| 2 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 321 | 18% |
| 3 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 778 | 15% |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 484 | 12% |
| 5 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 557 | 11% |
| 6 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 530 | 11% |
| 7 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 163 | 11% |
| 8 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 313 | 10% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 103 | 8% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 38 | 6% |
| 11 | Alaska | 739,795 | 36 | 5% |
| 12 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 106 | 4% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 79 | 4% |
| 14 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 27 | 4% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 214 | 3% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 54 | 3% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 20 | 3% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 213 | 2% |
| 19 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 162 | 2% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 15 | 2% |
California State University - Sacramento
Virginia Wesleyan University
Dr. KC Bloom Ph.D.: Entering the field now is ideal due to the increased appreciation for nature and group activities post-Covid. Visits to parks have surged, governments are reinvesting in park facilities and higher paying jobs, and the job outlook is positive.
California State University - Sacramento
Leisure And Recreational Activities
Dr. Jamie Hoffman CTRS: Recreation Managers typically walk the walk and talk the talk. With that said, they are advocates for health, wellness and experiences. This includes protecting and preserving natural environments, providing accessible and inclusive experiences and serving individuals of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. Depending on the agency one works for, this may prevent or promote the ability of the Recreation Manager to navigate bureaucracy and or other challenges related to funding, deficits in assets, equipment or spaces. Whether the Recreation Manager is working in a government agency, non-profit organization or for profit business, each environment poses its own challenges. Having consistent professional training and development opportunities as well as cost effective avenues for education, some barriers exist to continue to grow and develop in ones career. When discussion a Recreation Managers likes of their job the list is lengthy. Having the opportunity to work in many diverse environments: hostels, arenas, parks & recreation organizations, non-profits, athletic gyms and clubs, sports facilities …etc., this creates endless spaces and places for one to work. In addition to environments, the populations one may have the opportunity to work with are also very diverse. Recreation Managers work with individuals from the crib to the crypt including tot program, youth sports, teen centers, co-ed adult sports, senior centers etc. As far as abilities, one can work with individuals with neurodiversity, physical disabilities, addiction..etc. In addition, the Recreation Manager has the potential to work with and impact individuals from diverse cultures. This broad scope of practice is an attractive aspect of working as a Recreation Manager. Having the opportunity to increase the quality of life of individuals is a tremendous component of job satisfaction. Recreation Managers strive to maintain life balance and develop healthy lifestyle choices. Having the opportunity to have your work be fun and enjoyable is a choice but also an honor.
Dr. Doug Kennedy CPRP: The most successful new recreation managers are those who are motivated by seeing the growth in others and receiving the appreciation connected to that. Very few professions on a daily basis allow people to really see the value of their work in the eyes of those they serve. The flip side of that though is that often your workday begins when the workday for others ends. People have their leisure time often on nights and weekends so the recreation manager must be on-the-job when others aren't! Lastly, when it comes to salaries my experience with three decades of new graduates is that entry-level salaries are often lower than other professions BUT as experience is gained they catch up quickly.