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Job outlook for recreation workers in the United States
Recreation worker job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected recreation worker job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 28,100 new jobs for recreation workers are projected over the next decade.
Recreation worker salaries have increased 19% for recreation workers in the last 5 years.
There are over 5,571 recreation workers currently employed in the United States.
There are 22,685 active recreation worker job openings in the US.
The average recreation worker salary is $27,731.
Are recreation worker jobs in demand?
Recreation worker job and salary trends over time
Recreation worker jobs over time
Recreation worker job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,571 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,871 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,570 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 7,461 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,435 | 0.00% |
Average recreation worker salary over time
Recreation worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $27,731 | $13.33 | +7.9% |
| 2024 | $25,694 | $12.35 | +5.1% |
| 2023 | $24,436 | $11.75 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $23,929 | $11.50 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $23,275 | $11.19 | +2.4% |
Recreation worker jobs by state
Most common states for recreation workers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 162 | 19% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 239 | 18% |
| 3 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 319 | 17% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 473 | 15% |
| 5 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 441 | 15% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,012 | 14% |
| 7 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 97 | 14% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,101 | 13% |
| 9 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 845 | 13% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 796 | 13% |
| 11 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 636 | 13% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 553 | 13% |
| 13 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 231 | 13% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,269 | 12% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,212 | 12% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 695 | 12% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 257 | 12% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 389 | 11% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 182 | 11% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 107 | 11% |
Recreation Worker job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of recreation worker experts
University of New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
Central Washington University
Shepherd University
The University of Georgia
Central Michigan University
Eastern Kentucky University
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate ProfessorUniversity of New Hampshire
Department of Recreation Management & Policy
What hard/technical skills are most important for Recreation Workers?
Robert Barcelona Ph.D.: Being comfortable with specific technology applications like facility scheduling and maintenance and point-of-sale software, spreadsheets and databases, desktop publishing, and Photoshop are all really important. In the end, recreation specialists need to have a solid foundation in program and event design, personnel management, organizational leadership, finance and budgeting, risk management, marketing and promotion, program evaluation, facility and equipment management, strategic and master planning, and working in government and policy environments.
What will help Recreation Workers increase their earning potential?
Michael Ferguson Ph.D.: There are two primary channels that will help people increase their earning potential in the field of recreation management and policy: 1) education, and 2) field experience. Ideally, a combination of both. An undergraduate and master's degree in recreation management and policy establishes foundations in the theories, philosophies, research, methods, and administration of outdoor recreation management while preferably gaining skills and proficiencies in outdoor activities such as climbing, canoeing and backpacking (see the RMP OLM site for more insight). Field experience in parks and protected areas can be acquired through internships, practicums, field research, and job shadowing as well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Workers?
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.
Dr. David Rolfe
Associate ProfessorCentral Washington University
Department of Sport and Movement Studies
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Recreation Workers?
Dr. David Rolfe: Although a certification is not necessarily required for many positions in Recreation, often upper-level managers and directors are encouraged to be a "Certified Parks and Recreation Professional" (CPRP). This is a certification offered through the National Recreation and Parks Association. Additionally, there are certifications for specific career tracks within Recreation Management: Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) for pool managers, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) for those interested in maintaining playground equipment. These are really only needed for specific positions; not the recreation generalist.
Dr. Stacey Kendig
Director and Associate ProfessorShepherd University
School of Recreation, Sport and Exercise Science
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Recreation Workers?
Dr. Stacey Kendig: I think there have been many challenges with college graduates and finding employment in their specific areas of interest over the past several years even without a pandemic. Most of our recent graduates have stayed in touch using social media platforms; many of ours using LinkedIn, so we are somewhat aware of where they have found jobs. There are some who have found a position within their academic program and others who have struggled with finding employment, so have simply taken positions that may not be remotely related to their degree program. I think there is so much competition in the workforce, that our graduates need to be more proactive in securing employment. I also believe that a master's degree has become a requirement of many organizations. This, due to employers seeking a workforce in "specific" and not general areas. Now, throw in the pandemic and this creates an even larger challenge and barrier for graduates, simply due to the reduction in most workforces. For example, the sport industry with the cancellations of most, have reduced workforces because people are not needed (stadiums, hotels, restaurants, etc.). We can only hope that things will improve over the next couple of years. Yes, I believe this pandemic is going to have long-term impacts on employment for college graduates, no matter what academic program they have completed.
Dr. Gary Green
Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor, Natural Resources, Recreation and TourismThe University of Georgia
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Worker job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Gary Green: Families and people will seek to use parks and facilities that offer camping, cabins, etc that allow people to continue to isolate themselves from others, but still enable them to spend recreation and leisure time with families and/or friends. The economy has hurt many people, so simple and cheap options for recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, nature-watching, walking etc will continue to increase.
Robert Frost
ChairpersonCentral Michigan University
Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration
What skills stand out on Recreation Worker resumes?
Robert Frost: Corresponding to the new delivery formats are the accompanying skills; virtual programming, video production, social media abilities, and overall creativity and flexibility.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Recreation Worker job market given the pandemic?
Robert Frost: The pandemic has pushed program delivery into new forms. We are seeing jobs being reinvented to accommodate greater on-line/virtual delivery formats and flexibility in delivery times and scheduling. We also are seeing a growth in less clinical and more community-day program formats.
Dr. Jon McChesney
Department Chair & Graduate CoordinatorEastern Kentucky University
Department of Recreation & Park Administration
What type of skills will young Recreation Workers 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.