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The differences between recreation directors and recreation assistants 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 a recreation assistant. Additionally, a recreation director has an average salary of $48,525, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.
The top three skills for a recreation director include community resources, therapeutic recreation and nursing home. The most important skills for a recreation assistant are customer service, MDS, and recreation programs.
| Recreation Director | Recreation Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $48,525 | $31,040 |
| Hourly rate | $23.33 | $14.92 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 8,479 | 4,088 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| 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.
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.
Recreation directors and recreation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Director | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average salary | $48,525 | $31,040 |
| Salary range | Between $30,000 And $77,000 | Between $20,000 And $46,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milpitas, CA | Barnstable Town, MA |
| Highest paying state | California | West Virginia |
| Best paying company | Downtown United Soccer Club | National Park Foundation |
| Best paying industry | Education | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a recreation director and a recreation assistant in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Director | Recreation Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Recreation Management | Business |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between recreation directors' and recreation assistants' demographics:
| Recreation Director | Recreation Assistant | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% | Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1% |
| 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, 12.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 8% |