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Recreation manager vs recreation assistant

The differences between recreation managers 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 manager and a recreation assistant. Additionally, a recreation manager has an average salary of $47,007, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.

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

Recreation manager vs recreation assistant overview

Recreation ManagerRecreation Assistant
Yearly salary$47,007$31,040
Hourly rate$22.60$14.92
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs3,1374,088
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a recreation manager do?

Recreation managers create programs at a recreation center for specific people such as the elderly, children, and disabled people. These managers keep communities informed regarding the different excursions, programs, and exhibitions. They advise counselors and administrators on recreation and parks and ways to obtain sponsors. They coordinate and keep records of all activities and events. Their job also includes dealing with issues like being understaffed. They must work with different kinds of people, must have management and organizational abilities, and be physically fit.

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 manager vs recreation assistant salary

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

Recreation ManagerRecreation Assistant
Average salary$47,007$31,040
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $70,000Between $20,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityOlympia, WABarnstable Town, MA
Highest paying stateMississippiWest Virginia
Best paying companySt. John's Episcopal HospitalNational Park Foundation
Best paying industryHospitalityHealth Care

Differences between recreation manager and recreation assistant education

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

Recreation ManagerRecreation Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachNorthwestern University

Recreation manager vs recreation assistant demographics

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

Recreation ManagerRecreation Assistant
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 55.0% Female, 45.0%Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 60.9% 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 manager and recreation assistant duties and responsibilities

Recreation manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage activity and progress reports including statistical data require by regulators, initial assessments, MDS and IDC documentation.
  • Examine injure persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
  • Attend and present at borough staff and safety meetings.
  • Participate in QA and QIS survey at a facility and corporate level.

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.
  • Show more

Recreation manager vs recreation assistant skills

Common recreation manager skills
  • CPR, 22%
  • Cleanliness, 20%
  • Safety Procedures, 12%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 7%
  • Recreation Facilities, 6%
  • Aquatics, 4%
Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%

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