Recreation manager vs recreation director

The differences between recreation managers and recreation directors 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 director. Additionally, a recreation director has an average salary of $48,525, which is higher than the $47,007 average annual salary of a recreation manager.

The top three skills for a recreation manager include CPR, cleanliness and safety procedures. The most important skills for a recreation director are community resources, therapeutic recreation, and nursing home.

Recreation manager vs recreation director overview

	Recreation Manager	Recreation Director
Yearly salary	$47,007	$48,525
Hourly rate	$22.60	$23.33
Growth rate	10%	10%
Number of jobs	3,137	8,479
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	4	4

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 director do?

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.

Recreation manager vs recreation director salary

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

	Recreation Manager	Recreation Director
Average salary	$47,007	$48,525
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $70,000	Between $30,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City	Olympia, WA	Milpitas, CA
Highest paying state	Mississippi	California
Best paying company	St. John's Episcopal Hospital	Downtown United Soccer Club
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Education

Differences between recreation manager and recreation director education

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

	Recreation Manager	Recreation Director
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 73%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Business	Recreation Management
Most common college	California State University - Long Beach	Northwestern University

Recreation manager vs recreation director demographics

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

	Recreation Manager	Recreation Director
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 55.0% Female, 45.0%	Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0%
Race ratio	Black 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, 12.2% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between recreation manager and recreation director 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 director example responsibilities.

Manage recreation staff and programming for assist living and rehabilitation and skil nursing facilities.
Organize and provide staff training material regarding Alzheimer's disease.
Conduct monthly resident council meetings, daily initial evaluations, standard MDS and interdisciplinary care plan documentation.
Advance technical knowledge of all office equipment including Microsoft office and POS systems.
Expand programming, develop outdoor adventure programs, and maintain current city programs.
Design and layout seasonal brochure, create flyers, signs and periodically upload recreation information to town website.

Recreation manager vs recreation director skills

Common recreation manager skills

CPR, 22%
Cleanliness, 20%
Safety Procedures, 12%
Guest Satisfaction, 7%
Recreation Facilities, 6%
Aquatics, 4%

Common recreation director skills

Community Resources, 15%
Therapeutic Recreation, 14%
Nursing Home, 14%
Customer Service, 10%
Provides Supervision, 7%
Recreation Programs, 5%

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Recreation Manager vs Recreation Director

Updated January 8, 2025

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