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Recreation leader vs recreation assistant

The differences between recreation leaders 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 leader and a recreation assistant. Additionally, a recreation assistant has an average salary of $31,040, which is higher than the $30,040 average annual salary of a recreation leader.

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

Recreation leader vs recreation assistant overview

Recreation LeaderRecreation Assistant
Yearly salary$30,040$31,040
Hourly rate$14.44$14.92
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs35,6844,088
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a recreation leader do?

The primary role of recreation leaders is to encourage recreational and sporting activities in various settings such as schools, parks, and youth centers. Their job requires them to motivate others to work as a team member while also promoting good morals and sportsmanship. They develop recreational and sports programs best suited for their company's client base. Other duties also include advertising the availability of recreational activities, securing funding for special events and projects, and adhering to safety practices.

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.

Recreation leader vs recreation assistant salary

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

Recreation LeaderRecreation Assistant
Average salary$30,040$31,040
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $37,000Between $20,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBarnstable Town, MA
Highest paying stateNebraskaWest Virginia
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyNational Park Foundation
Best paying industryGovernmentHealth Care

Differences between recreation leader and recreation assistant education

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

Recreation LeaderRecreation Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Recreation leader vs recreation assistant demographics

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

Recreation LeaderRecreation Assistant
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 43.8% Female, 56.2%Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% 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 Percentage8%8%

Differences between recreation leader and recreation assistant duties and responsibilities

Recreation leader example responsibilities.

  • Manage funds and resources to include developing the annual NAF budget, which include submission and prioritization of program component requirements.
  • Receive training in problem solving, peer mediation and first aid & CPR.
  • Train in CPR, food handlers, and videos of other health relate issues.
  • Include the use of PowerPoint, book references, and hands-on demonstration to verify attention to all learning styles.
  • Utilize clinical assessment, MDS documentation, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team and families.
  • Supervise and provide leadership for children participating in summer programs to ensure a safe and caring environment.
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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 leader vs recreation assistant skills

Common recreation leader skills
  • CPR, 25%
  • Customer Service, 21%
  • Recreation Programs, 7%
  • Recreational Facilities, 5%
  • Role Model, 4%
  • Youth Sports, 4%
Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%

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