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Recreation assistant vs recreation coordinator

The differences between recreation assistants and recreation coordinators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a recreation assistant and a recreation coordinator. Additionally, a recreation coordinator has an average salary of $40,777, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.

The top three skills for a recreation assistant include customer service, MDS and recreation programs. The most important skills for a recreation coordinator are CPR, therapeutic recreation, and recreation programs.

Recreation assistant vs recreation coordinator overview

Recreation AssistantRecreation Coordinator
Yearly salary$31,040$40,777
Hourly rate$14.92$19.60
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs4,08819,008
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a recreation assistant do?

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.

What does a recreation coordinator do?

Typically working for recreation facilities, a recreation coordinator specializes in planning and organizing recreational activities for large groups of individuals. Their responsibilities include performing research and analysis to identify the clients' needs, coordinating with teams to conceptualize plans and themes, setting schedules and objectives, liaising with internal and external parties, and monitoring the progress of all operations from planning to conception. Furthermore, as a recreation coordinator, it is essential to lead and encourage the staff to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Recreation assistant vs recreation coordinator salary

Recreation assistants and recreation coordinators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Recreation AssistantRecreation Coordinator
Average salary$31,040$40,777
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $46,000Between $30,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CityBarnstable Town, MACasper, WY
Highest paying stateWest VirginiaMississippi
Best paying companyNational Park FoundationPolk County
Best paying industryHealth CareMedia

Differences between recreation assistant and recreation coordinator education

There are a few differences between a recreation assistant and a recreation coordinator in terms of educational background:

Recreation AssistantRecreation Coordinator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorBusinessRecreation Management
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Recreation assistant vs recreation coordinator demographics

Here are the differences between recreation assistants' and recreation coordinators' demographics:

Recreation AssistantRecreation Coordinator
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 40.9% Female, 59.1%Male, 46.2% Female, 53.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between recreation assistant and recreation coordinator duties and responsibilities

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.
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Recreation coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Manage funds and resources to include developing the annual NAF budget, which include submission and prioritization of program component requirements.
  • Communicate with veterans daily; fulfill shopping requests and arrange communication with family members.
  • Assist with transitioning veterans into facility during initial check-in process including pulling and documenting medical records.
  • Design and disseminate survey instruments to assess and provide analysis of sporting initiatives and programs for regional management and corporate leadership.
  • Incorporate knowledge of therapeutic concepts and methods for determining appropriate recreation therapy services for psychiatric, and chemically dependent, patients.
  • Plan and lead activities to help patients with mental, physical, and memory skills.
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Recreation assistant vs recreation coordinator skills

Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
Common recreation coordinator skills
  • CPR, 22%
  • Therapeutic Recreation, 10%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • Recreation Facilities, 5%
  • Sports Programs, 4%
  • Community Resources, 4%

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