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The differences between recreation directors and orientation leaders 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 director and an orientation leader. Additionally, a recreation director has an average salary of $48,525, which is higher than the $33,848 average annual salary of an orientation leader.
The top three skills for a recreation director include community resources, therapeutic recreation and nursing home. The most important skills for an orientation leader are role model, group discussions, and orientation program.
| Recreation Director | Orientation Leader | |
| Yearly salary | $48,525 | $33,848 |
| Hourly rate | $23.33 | $16.27 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 8,479 | 32,073 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Recreation directors may take part in leading activities like canoeing, wilderness first-aid, rock climbing, camping, and resource management for this dynamic career. Responsibilities include implementation and success assurance of recreation programs, as well as management of schedules for activities and facilities. They also handle the recruitment, training, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
An orientation leader helps new students adjust to life in universities or colleges. They are primarily responsible for sharing campus advice, facilitating campus tours, assisting incoming students in class and organization registrations, introducing university opportunities, and discussing essential matters with students and their families. Furthermore, an orientation leader usually works with faculty members and staff, coordinating with them, especially when handling students' programs. Aside from serving as a role model, an orientation leader must also share various academic and social resources to help the freshmen.
Recreation directors and orientation leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Director | Orientation Leader | |
| Average salary | $48,525 | $33,848 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $77,000 | Between $10,000 And $105,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milpitas, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | California | - |
| Best paying company | Downtown United Soccer Club | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a recreation director and an orientation leader in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Director | Orientation Leader | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Recreation Management | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between recreation directors' and orientation leaders' demographics:
| Recreation Director | Orientation Leader | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% | Male, 39.3% Female, 60.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |