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Job outlook for recreation aides in the United States
Recreation aide job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected recreation aide job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 28,100 new jobs for recreation aides are projected over the next decade.
Recreation aide salaries have increased 19% for recreation aides in the last 5 years.
There are over 16,592 recreation aides currently employed in the United States.
There are 43,283 active recreation aide job openings in the US.
The average recreation aide salary is $28,756.
Are recreation aide jobs in demand?
Recreation Aide job and salary trends over time
Recreation Aide jobs over time
Recreation Aide job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,592 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 20,464 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 22,545 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 22,219 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 22,143 | 0.01% |
Average recreation aide salary over time
Recreation Aide salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $28,756 | $13.83 | +7.9% |
| 2024 | $26,643 | $12.81 | +5.1% |
| 2023 | $25,339 | $12.18 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $24,813 | $11.93 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $24,135 | $11.60 | +2.4% |
Recreation Aide jobs by state
Most common states for recreation aides
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 793 | 12% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 129 | 12% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 83 | 11% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 317 | 10% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 525 | 9% |
| 6 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 268 | 9% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 169 | 9% |
| 8 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 799 | 8% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 540 | 8% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 112 | 8% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 403 | 7% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 53 | 7% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 41 | 7% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 821 | 6% |
| 15 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 352 | 6% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 114 | 6% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 64 | 6% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 56 | 6% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 50 | 6% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 34 | 6% |
Most common cities for recreation aides
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $31,393 |
| 2 | Battle Creek | 2 | 4% | $26,729 |
| 3 | Coronado | 1 | 4% | $30,825 |
| 4 | Evans | 1 | 3% | $28,430 |
| 5 | Doral | 1 | 2% | $25,788 |
| 6 | Dublin | 1 | 2% | $32,063 |
| 7 | Ellicott City | 1 | 2% | $32,156 |
| 8 | Fitchburg | 1 | 2% | $37,680 |
| 9 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $33,502 |
| 10 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $32,250 |
| 11 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $27,363 |
Recreation Aide job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of recreation aide experts
University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
Central Washington University
Central Michigan University
Eastern Kentucky University
Jayson Seaman
Associate Professor of Outdoor Leadership and ManagementUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Recreation Management and Policy
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Aide job market given the pandemic?
Jayson Seaman: I anticipate strong employment following the pandemic in both outdoor recreation and education sectors. People have rediscovered the outdoors as an important resource for leisure and wellness, and communities with lots of outdoor amenities are thriving. There will be many opportunities to manage and serve outdoor users in the future both directly and indirectly. Additionally, families and parents have also relished the opportunity during the pandemic to enroll their kids in outdoor activities. What service providers have managed to stay open have experienced a surge of interest, with so few other opportunities for kids to stay healthy, active, and connected to peers. We're even seeing bipartisan interest among legislators to support outdoor education and recreation in and out of schools going forward.
What will help Recreation Aides increase their earning potential?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: There are two primary channels that will help people increase their earning potential in the field of recreation management and policy: 1) education, and 2) field experience. Ideally, a combination of both. An undergraduate and master's degree in recreation management and policy establishes foundations in the theories, philosophies, research, methods, and administration of outdoor recreation management while preferably gaining skills and proficiencies in outdoor activities such as climbing, canoeing and backpacking (see the RMP OLM site for more insight). Field experience in parks and protected areas can be acquired through internships, practicums, field research, and job shadowing as well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Aides?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact upon outdoor recreation both in the United States and worldwide. In the decades leading up to the pandemic, outdoor recreation visitation had consistently and incrementally increased across local, state, and federal parks and protected areas. Adding fuel to this visitation fire, the pandemic has caused dramatic and abrupt increases in visitation across an already overwhelmed parks and protected areas system. This explosion in interest in parks and protected areas has created both benefits and challenges for the visitors, communities, stakeholder, and managers who are dependent upon the outdoor recreation industry. Moreover, the pandemic has open myriad opportunities for students graduating with a degree in Recreation Management and Policy. Now more than ever, parks and protected areas at the local, state, federal, private, and non-profit levels are demanding an educated and skilled workforce to manage and protect these resources while simultaneously providing high-quality outdoor recreation experiences.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Recreation Aides?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: There are numerous certifications, licenses, and competencies that will significantly increase a student's job opportunities and prospects. Within the realm of parks and protected areas, these include, but are not limited to: geographic information systems, parks planning and management, natural resource management, social science research, quantitative and qualitative research methods, advanced statistical analysis, wilderness first responder (WFR), certified park and recreation professional (CPRP), certified parks and recreation executive (CRPE), aquatic facility operator (AFO), american institute for avalanche research and education 1-3 (AIARE), association for challenge course technology 1-3 (ACCT), etc., just to name a few.
Dr. David Rolfe
Associate ProfessorCentral Washington University
Department of Sport and Movement Studies
What's a good job out of college for Recreation Aides?
Dr. David Rolfe: A good entry-level position in Recreation would be something like a Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Specialist, Camp Director, or any entry-level manager overseeing a specific function of a recreation operation such as aquatics, youth, sports, teen, seniors, etc. These would all be great entry-level positions because they offer the employee some limited responsibility in staff and budget management, all while still maintaining a direct connection to the customers served. These positions are often found in municipal parks and recreation departments, non-profit organizations (such as the YMCA or Boys and Girls Clubs of America), and commercial businesses (such as resorts, outfitters, private clubs/gyms).
Robert Frost
ChairpersonCentral Michigan University
Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration
What skills stand out on Recreation Aide resumes?
Robert Frost: Corresponding to the new delivery formats are the accompanying skills; virtual programming, video production, social media abilities, and overall creativity and flexibility.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Aide job market given the pandemic?
Robert Frost: The pandemic has pushed program delivery into new forms. We are seeing jobs being reinvented to accommodate greater on-line/virtual delivery formats and flexibility in delivery times and scheduling. We also are seeing a growth in less clinical and more community-day program formats.
Dr. Jon McChesney
Department Chair & Graduate CoordinatorEastern Kentucky University
Department of Recreation & Park Administration
What type of skills will young Recreation Aides need?
Dr. Jon McChesney: Recreation is at the core of a social profession, thus demanding the need for social intelligence and a relationship orientation for graduates. The need for connection is perhaps greater than at any time in our history, given the loneliness epidemic, the increase in depression, and suicide. Professionals need to be mindful of the issues facing our country and demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for diversity and cultural agility. Creativity, innovation, and adaptability to change will continue to be important as recreation is forced to evolve in a Covid-19 world and beyond.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Recreation Aides to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jon McChesney: Typically, graduates have good job opportunities throughout the United States, given the magnitude of the industry. For example, event planning was a 33% growth industry, and in 2019 tourism employed one in every ten people on Earth! Covid-19 has had a profound impact on recreation, parks, and tourism, but there will be a recovery. We are currently seeing a resurgence in outdoor recreation and people experiencing parks throughout the country. Graduates will need to continue to nurture their professional network and be patient with the current job's climate.
How do you envision technology impacting Recreation Aides in the next 5 years?
Dr. Jon McChesney: The recreation field has not always embraced technology, given our roots in play, community building, and the outdoors. Technology has been used extensively in marketing processes, but the integration into programming efforts has not been as robust. Covid-19 has forced agencies to embrace technology in recreation program delivery, which has the potential to be empowering. Our profession needs to consider a paradigm shift to more of a facilitator role, with municipal recreation agencies operating as a clearinghouse of programs and services, rather than a focus on direct service. Such a dramatic shift would require significant use of technology.