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Job outlook for recreation technicians in the United States
Are recreation technician jobs in demand?
Recreation technician job and salary trends over time
Recreation technician jobs over time
Recreation technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 282 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 280 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 287 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,055 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,079 | 0.00% |
Average recreation technician salary over time
Recreation technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $34,151 | $16.42 | +0.4% |
| 2025 | $34,003 | $16.35 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $32,952 | $15.84 | +2.9% |
| 2023 | $32,022 | $15.40 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $31,517 | $15.15 | +0.4% |
Recreation technician jobs by state
Most common states for recreation technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 352 | 34% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 157 | 27% |
| 3 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 382 | 22% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 111 | 15% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 543 | 13% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 653 | 12% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 363 | 12% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 228 | 11% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 151 | 11% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 87 | 10% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 62 | 10% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 586 | 9% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 165 | 9% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 462 | 8% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 109 | 8% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 74 | 8% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 710 | 7% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 515 | 7% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 240 | 7% |
| 20 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 203 | 7% |
Most common cities for recreation technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $35,149 |
| 2 | Scottsdale | 1 | 0% | $33,551 |
Recreation Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of recreation technician experts
University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
Pennsylvania State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate ProfessorUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Recreation Management & Policy
What skills will help Recreation Technicians earn the most?
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.: One of the emerging trends that we are seeing is comfortability with data analysis - particularly having the skill set to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data, and to make decisions based on that analysis. Those with the skills to analyze large-scale park usage data, for instance, can help drive decisions and set policy regarding pricing, maintenance, staffing, and transportation, among others. Being comfortable working with and managing data can be a difference-maker.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Technicians?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact upon outdoor recreation both in the United States and worldwide. In the decades leading up to the pandemic, outdoor recreation visitation had consistently and incrementally increased across local, state, and federal parks and protected areas. Adding fuel to this visitation fire, the pandemic has caused dramatic and abrupt increases in visitation across an already overwhelmed parks and protected areas system. This explosion in interest in parks and protected areas has created both benefits and challenges for the visitors, communities, stakeholder, and managers who are dependent upon the outdoor recreation industry. Moreover, the pandemic has open myriad opportunities for students graduating with a degree in Recreation Management and Policy. Now more than ever, parks and protected areas at the local, state, federal, private, and non-profit levels are demanding an educated and skilled workforce to manage and protect these resources while simultaneously providing high-quality outdoor recreation experiences.
What skills stand out on Recreation Technician resumes?
Ellen Rom: For land management positions, GIS skills are important as, of course, is plant identification. Evidence of leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and good communication skills are important regardless of field of interest.
Dr. Jon McChesney
Department Chair & Graduate CoordinatorEastern Kentucky University
Department of Recreation & Park Administration
What type of skills will young Recreation Technicians need?
Dr. Jon McChesney: Recreation is at the core of a social profession, thus demanding the need for social intelligence and a relationship orientation for graduates. The need for connection is perhaps greater than at any time in our history, given the loneliness epidemic, the increase in depression, and suicide. Professionals need to be mindful of the issues facing our country and demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for diversity and cultural agility. Creativity, innovation, and adaptability to change will continue to be important as recreation is forced to evolve in a Covid-19 world and beyond.