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The differences between recreation supervisors 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 supervisor and a recreation director. Additionally, a recreation director has an average salary of $48,525, which is higher than the $45,209 average annual salary of a recreation supervisor.
The top three skills for a recreation supervisor include CPR, recreational facilities and payroll. The most important skills for a recreation director are community resources, therapeutic recreation, and nursing home.
| Recreation Supervisor | Recreation Director | |
| Yearly salary | $45,209 | $48,525 |
| Hourly rate | $21.74 | $23.33 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 4,698 | 8,479 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Recreation Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the operations and service delivery of a recreation program for an organization. Their duties include facilitating the implementation of the recreations program, assist in staff recruitment, scheduling staff roster, developing training sessions, and track employee performance. They manage contracts, conduct community research, perform marketing outreach activities, and serve as a district representative in engaging external parties. Recreational Supervisors also develop marketing materials, coordinate logistic arrangements, monitor inventory, prepare program budgets, and write grant proposals.
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 supervisors and recreation directors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Recreation Supervisor | Recreation Director | |
| Average salary | $45,209 | $48,525 |
| Salary range | Between $32,000 And $62,000 | Between $30,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | Milpitas, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Glen Ellyn Park District | Downtown United Soccer Club |
| Best paying industry | Government | Education |
There are a few differences between a recreation supervisor and a recreation director in terms of educational background:
| Recreation Supervisor | Recreation Director | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Recreation Management | Recreation Management |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between recreation supervisors' and recreation directors' demographics:
| Recreation Supervisor | Recreation Director | |
| Average age | 42 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 56.2% Female, 43.8% | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.2% 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% |