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Recreation leader salary
Average recreation leader salary
$14.44
Average Recreation Leader Salary
The average salary for a Recreation Leader is approximately $30,040 per year, which translates to around $14.44 per hour. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific job duties. For instance, leaders in urban areas may earn higher wages compared to their rural counterparts.
Salary by State
Different states offer varying salary ranges for Recreation Leaders. States like California and New York often report higher salaries due to increased living costs and demand for recreational services. Conversely, states with lower living costs may see salaries closer to the national average.
Job Opportunities
Recreation Leaders can find employment in various settings, including local parks, schools, and community centers. They play a crucial role in organizing activities and ensuring the overall enjoyment and safety of participants. This role not only offers a chance to work in a fun environment but also allows for significant community engagement.
Growth Potential
As you gain experience, opportunities for advancement into supervisory or management roles become available. Continuous professional development through certifications and training can further enhance your career prospects within the recreation field.
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Where can a Recreation Leader earn more?
Recreation leader salary estimates from across the web
Average recreation leader salary by state
The average recreation leader salary in Nebraska, Mississippi, and New York are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average recreation leader salary states are Virginia, Kansas, and Utah.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for recreation leaders
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $38,391 | $18.46 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $38,013 | $18.28 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $33,881 | $16.29 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $34,282 | $16.48 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $36,919 | $17.75 |
| 6 | New York | $35,654 | $17.14 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $31,323 | $15.06 |
| 8 | North Carolina | $32,107 | $15.44 |
| 9 | North Dakota | $29,076 | $13.98 |
| 10 | Washington | $31,508 | $15.15 |
| 11 | South Dakota | $28,983 | $13.93 |
| 12 | Oregon | $29,386 | $14.13 |
| 13 | Nevada | $29,962 | $14.40 |
| 14 | New Hampshire | $30,845 | $14.83 |
| 15 | West Virginia | $34,164 | $16.43 |
| 16 | Vermont | $32,553 | $15.65 |
| 17 | Arizona | $29,723 | $14.29 |
| 18 | Michigan | $29,522 | $14.19 |
| 19 | California | $33,328 | $16.02 |
| 20 | Connecticut | $30,153 | $14.50 |
| 21 | Texas | $28,103 | $13.51 |
| 22 | Montana | $26,750 | $12.86 |
| 23 | New Jersey | $29,583 | $14.22 |
| 24 | Hawaii | $30,029 | $14.44 |
| 25 | Maine | $30,016 | $14.43 |
| 26 | Minnesota | $29,085 | $13.98 |
| 27 | Illinois | $28,866 | $13.88 |
| 28 | Kentucky | $26,286 | $12.64 |
| 29 | Colorado | $28,495 | $13.70 |
| 30 | Missouri | $26,467 | $12.72 |
| 31 | Delaware | $28,933 | $13.91 |
| 32 | Tennessee | $25,556 | $12.29 |
| 33 | South Carolina | $25,494 | $12.26 |
| 34 | Florida | $26,139 | $12.57 |
| 35 | New Mexico | $23,217 | $11.16 |
| 36 | Oklahoma | $23,887 | $11.48 |
| 37 | Idaho | $26,185 | $12.59 |
| 38 | Indiana | $24,939 | $11.99 |
| 39 | Kansas | $22,666 | $10.90 |
| 40 | Wisconsin | $25,221 | $12.13 |
| 41 | Alaska | $21,185 | $10.19 |
| 42 | Pennsylvania | $25,210 | $12.12 |
| 43 | Utah | $21,636 | $10.40 |
| 44 | Maryland | $25,231 | $12.13 |
| 45 | Alabama | $23,148 | $11.13 |
| 46 | Ohio | $24,112 | $11.59 |
| 47 | Georgia | $24,300 | $11.68 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $19,050 | $9.16 |
| 49 | Virginia | $22,757 | $10.94 |
| 50 | Iowa | $22,836 | $10.98 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $21,225 | $10.20 |
Highest paying cities for recreation leaders
The highest-paying cities for recreation leaders are New York, NY, South San Francisco, CA, and Raleigh, NC.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $35,599 | $17.11 |
| 2 | South San Francisco, CA | $34,336 | $16.51 |
| 3 | Raleigh, NC | $32,213 | $15.49 |
| 4 | Auburn, WA | $31,715 | $15.25 |
| 5 | Medford, OR | $30,774 | $14.80 |
| 6 | Scottsdale, AZ | $29,709 | $14.28 |
| 7 | Edina, MN | $29,075 | $13.98 |
| 8 | Colorado Springs, CO | $28,659 | $13.78 |
| 9 | Farmers Branch, TX | $27,822 | $13.38 |
| 10 | Bozeman, MT | $26,806 | $12.89 |
| 11 | Florissant, MO | $26,524 | $12.75 |
| 12 | Gainesville, FL | $26,326 | $12.66 |
| 13 | Rock Hill, SC | $25,744 | $12.38 |
| 14 | Baltimore, MD | $25,337 | $12.18 |
| 15 | Norristown, PA | $25,327 | $12.18 |
| 16 | Oklahoma City, OK | $23,907 | $11.49 |
| 17 | Farmington, NM | $23,180 | $11.14 |
| 18 | Des Moines, IA | $22,834 | $10.98 |
Recreation leader salary details
A recreation leader's salary ranges from $23,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $37,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a recreation leader's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $37,000 | $3,083 | $18 |
| 75th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| Average | $30,040 | $2,503 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $23,000 | $1,917 | $11 |
Highest paying recreation leader jobs
The highest paying types of recreation leaders are co-leader, program lead, and group leader.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Camp Counselor | $25,618 | $2,135 | $12.32 | 31,954 |
| Camp Counselor | $24,340 | $2,028 | $11.70 | 28,182 |
| Activities Director | $44,982 | $3,748 | $21.63 | 6,845 |
| Activity Coordinator | $35,309 | $2,942 | $16.98 | 20,364 |
| Program Lead | $100,727 | $8,394 | $48.43 | 61,632 |
| Leader | $86,964 | $7,247 | $41.81 | 172,293 |
Top companies hiring recreation leaders now:
Which companies pay recreation leaders the most?
Recreation leader salaries at University of California, Berkeley and Aspen Snowmass are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average recreation leader salary at companies like City of Upland and Gwinnett County are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | $40,363 | $19.41 |
| 2 | Aspen Snowmass | $38,466 | $18.49 |
| 3 | City of Upland | $32,011 | $15.39 |
| 4 | Gwinnett County | $31,116 | $14.96 |
| 5 | City Of Alexandria | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| 6 | City of Bozeman | $30,709 | $14.76 |
| 7 | Pasco | $30,578 | $14.70 |
| 8 | The Center for Health Care Services | $30,553 | $14.69 |
| 9 | Prince William County | $30,477 | $14.65 |
| 10 | SITRIN CHARLES T HEALTH CARE | $30,293 | $14.56 |
| 11 | Catholic Health Care System | $29,967 | $14.41 |
| 12 | Firstservice Residential California, Inc. | $29,905 | $14.38 |
| 13 | Douglas County | $29,892 | $14.37 |
| 14 | City Of Rancho Mirage | $29,634 | $14.25 |
| 15 | City Of Ceres | $29,598 | $14.23 |
| 16 | City Of West Des Moines | $29,566 | $14.21 |
| 17 | City of Pittsburgh | $29,538 | $14.20 |
| 18 | Port of Long Beach | $29,414 | $14.14 |
| 19 | City of Portland | $29,334 | $14.10 |
| 20 | 1 8 3 Lanes | $29,116 | $14.00 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Recreation leader salary trends
The average recreation leader salary has risen by $6,665 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average recreation leader earned $23,375 annually, but today, they earn $30,040 a year. That works out to a 19% change in pay for recreation leaders over the last decade.
Compare recreation leader salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average recreation leader salary over time
Compare recreation leader salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Recreation leader salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,000 | $14.44 | +7.3% |
| 2024 | $27,800 | $13.38 | +4.9% |
| 2023 | $26,500 | $12.73 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $25,900 | $12.46 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $25,200 | $12.12 | +2.3% |
Recently added recreation leader salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas County | Recreation Leader and Recreation Aide | Gardnerville, NV | 06/28/2025 | $27,444 |
| City of Joplin, Mo | Recreation Leader | Joplin, MO | 06/28/2025 | $33,779 |
| City of Burbank (Ca | Recreation Leader-Sports | Burbank, CA | 06/27/2025 | $41,738 |
| City of Clearwater, Fl | Variable Recreation Leader | Belleair, FL | 06/27/2025 | $37,524 |
| Urbana School District #116 | Recreation Leader | Urbana, IL | 06/27/2025 | $33,935 |
| City of Largo, Fl | Recreation Leader I-Childcare | Largo, FL | 06/26/2025 | $34,644 |
| BOCC | Recreation Leader (Athletics Inspector) | Tampa, FL | 06/26/2025 | $34,320 |
| City of Greer | Recreation Leader Events/Rentals | Greer, SC | 06/25/2025 | $31,848 |
| State of Kentucky | Corrections Recreation Leader | La Grange, KY | 06/25/2025 | $36,984 |
| City of Surprise, Az | Recreation Leader I-Tot Time | Surprise, AZ | 06/24/2025 | $34,206 |
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