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Recreation programmer vs recreation assistant

The differences between recreation programmers 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 programmer and a recreation assistant. Additionally, a recreation programmer has an average salary of $37,908, which is higher than the $31,040 average annual salary of a recreation assistant.

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

Recreation programmer vs recreation assistant overview

Recreation ProgrammerRecreation Assistant
Yearly salary$37,908$31,040
Hourly rate$18.23$14.92
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs10,2904,088
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

Recreation programmer vs recreation assistant salary

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

Recreation ProgrammerRecreation Assistant
Average salary$37,908$31,040
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $57,000Between $20,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Barnstable Town, MA
Highest paying state-West Virginia
Best paying company-National Park Foundation
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between recreation programmer and recreation assistant education

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

Recreation ProgrammerRecreation Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorKinesiologyBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachNorthwestern University

Recreation programmer vs recreation assistant demographics

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

Recreation ProgrammerRecreation Assistant
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 50.7% Female, 49.3%Male, 40.9% Female, 59.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 5.5% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%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 programmer and recreation assistant duties and responsibilities

Recreation programmer example responsibilities.

  • Manage the maintenance of post MWR relate administrative records and submit program status reports in accordance with establish contractual requirements.
  • Direct aquatics program and staff; hire, train, and supervise part-time and seasonal staff.
  • Design and printing of all flyers, brochures, and posters used for event and program marketing.
  • Produce advertising for events, activities and programs via flyers, media and promotion through other events, etc.
  • Provide coaching, instruction, supervision and counseling to participants in aquatics activities and other activities and programs within the center.
  • Examine injure persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
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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 programmer vs recreation assistant skills

Common recreation programmer skills
  • CPR, 30%
  • Reservations, 11%
  • Press Releases, 8%
  • Wide Events, 8%
  • Flyers, 7%
  • Outdoor Recreation Programs, 5%
Common recreation assistant skills
  • Customer Service, 31%
  • MDS, 16%
  • Recreation Programs, 9%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%

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