Best degree programs for Recreation Workers, ranked by enrollment
1 college programs and 38 schools train Recreation Workers. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $36,560 median wage, 331,490 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
1 college programs at 38 schools train recreation workers, graduating 222 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Outdoor Education. The job pays a median of $36,560 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About recreation workers
Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
1 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Outdoor Educationmain feeder CIP 31.0601 | 222 | 100.0% | 38 | $21,737 | — |
Top 38 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Lewis College Durango, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 17 | Outdoor Education | 36% | — | 77% |
| 2 | Prescott College Prescott, AZ Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 13 | Outdoor Education | 56% | $23,166 | 95% |
| 3 | Greenfield Community College Greenfield, MA Public · 1 feeder programs | 12 | Outdoor Education | 31% | — | — |
| 4 | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC Public · 1 feeder programs | 12 | Outdoor Education | 60% | — | 82% |
| 5 | Minnesota North College Hibbing, MN Public · 1 feeder programs | 11 | Outdoor Education | 42% | — | — |
| 6 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 10 | Outdoor Education | 59% | — | 90% |
| 7 | Young Harris College Young Harris, GA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 10 | Outdoor Education | 42% | $10,832 | 63% |
| 8 | Brevard College Brevard, NC Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 8 | Outdoor Education | 49% | $21,334 | 42% |
| 9 | State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 8 | Outdoor Education | 68% | — | 60% |
| 10 | Montreat College Montreat, NC Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 7 | Outdoor Education | 50% | $25,763 | 69% |
| 11 | Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 7 | Outdoor Education | 32% | — | — |
| 12 | Salisbury University Salisbury, MD Public · 1 feeder programs | 7 | Outdoor Education | 68% | — | 87% |
| 13 | Black Hills State University Spearfish, SD Public · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Outdoor Education | 43% | — | 96% |
| 14 | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Public · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Outdoor Education | 53% | — | 86% |
| 15 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Outdoor Education | 65% | $28,911 | 99% |
| 16 | Vermont State University Randolph, VT Public · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Outdoor Education | 47% | — | 82% |
| 17 | Elon University Elon, NC Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Outdoor Education | 84% | $33,688 | 66% |
| 18 | John Brown University Siloam Springs, AR Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Outdoor Education | 72% | $20,325 | 76% |
| 19 | University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK Public · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Outdoor Education | 30% | — | — |
| 20 | Warren Wilson College Swannanoa, NC Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Outdoor Education | 42% | $22,259 | 71% |
| 21 | Alaska Pacific University Anchorage, AK Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 47% | $18,927 | 96% |
| 22 | Central Oregon Community College Bend, OR Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 25% | — | — |
| 23 | College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, ID Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 33% | — | — |
| 24 | Colorado Christian University Lakewood, CO Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 64% | $23,447 | — |
| 25 | North Idaho College Coeur d'Alene, ID Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 38% | — | — |
| 26 | Plymouth State University Plymouth, NH Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 52% | — | 88% |
| 27 | Southwestern Community College Sylva, NC Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 53% | — | — |
| 28 | SUNY Adirondack Queensbury, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Outdoor Education | 37% | — | — |
| 29 | Lees - McRae College Banner Elk, NC Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 3 | Outdoor Education | 42% | $23,349 | 77% |
| 30 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 3 | Outdoor Education | 61% | — | 90% |
| 31 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UT Public · 1 feeder programs | 3 | Outdoor Education | 29% | — | — |
| 32 | Westminster University Salt Lake City, UT Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 3 | Outdoor Education | 64% | $23,154 | 67% |
| 33 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO Public · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Outdoor Education | 58% | — | 91% |
| 34 | New England College Henniker, NH Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Outdoor Education | 35% | $30,086 | 92% |
| 35 | Sterling College Craftsbury Common, VT Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Outdoor Education | 32% | $30,026 | 67% |
| 36 | The University of Montana Missoula, MT Public · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Outdoor Education | 48% | — | 96% |
| 37 | Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, GA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Outdoor Education | 44% | $20,410 | 66% |
| 38 | Weber State University Ogden, UT Public · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Outdoor Education | 46% | — | — |
What recreation workers earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $32,720 | 9,520 | 0.90× | 7 | 44 |
| Coloradomoderate | $38,820 | 6,100 | 1.00× | 3 | 28 |
| Arizonalimited | $35,800 | 12,650 | 1.83× | 2 | 16 |
| Georgialimited | $32,540 | 8,160 | 0.78× | 2 | 12 |
| Massachusettslimited | $38,540 | 11,280 | 1.45× | 1 | 12 |
| New Yorklimited | $38,040 | 24,790 | 1.20× | 2 | 12 |
| Minnesotalimited | $37,510 | 7,940 | 1.26× | 1 | 11 |
| Michiganlimited | $35,090 | 10,850 | 1.16× | 1 | 10 |
| Alaskalimited | $37,510 | 630 | 0.91× | 2 | 9 |
| Idaholimited | $30,100 | 2,080 | 1.14× | 2 | 8 |
| Utahmoderate | $32,890 | 5,760 | 1.56× | 3 | 8 |
| Vermontlimited | $37,450 | 840 | 1.29× | 2 | 8 |
| Marylandlimited | $37,200 | 4,350 | 0.74× | 1 | 7 |
| New Hampshirelimited | $37,040 | 2,030 | 1.39× | 2 | 6 |
| South Dakotalimited | $42,270 | 650 | 0.67× | 1 | 6 |
| Tennesseelimited | $33,580 | 3,420 | 0.49× | 1 | 6 |
| Virginialimited | $36,120 | 9,260 | 1.06× | 1 | 6 |
| Arkansaslimited | $27,770 | 1,740 | 0.63× | 1 | 5 |
| Oregonlimited | $39,610 | 4,640 | 1.11× | 1 | 4 |
| Missourilimited | $34,320 | 5,380 | 0.86× | 1 | 2 |
| Montanalimited | $35,090 | 800 | 0.74× | 1 | 2 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
- Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
- Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
- Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
Skills
- Speaking4.0
- Active Listening4.0
- Monitoring3.8
- Critical Thinking3.3
- Writing3.1
- Learning Strategies3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.1
- Active Learning3.1
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.1
- Public Safety and Security3.8
- Customer and Personal Service3.6
- Education and Training3.5
- Law and Government3.4
- Psychology3.2
Abilities
- Oral Expression4.0
- Oral Comprehension4.0
- Speech Clarity3.9
- Problem Sensitivity3.6
- Near Vision3.6
- Speech Recognition3.6
Core activities
- Getting Information4.6
- Thinking Creatively4.5
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.4
- Scheduling Work and Activities4.3
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.2
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.2
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Recreation Worker
Job zone 4 of 5 · SVP 7.0 to < 8.0- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 1 majors mapped to Recreation Workers1 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 31.0601Outdoor Education
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a Recreation Worker?+
High school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Outdoor Education, which awarded 222 degrees in 2024-25, 100.0% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming a Recreation Worker?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 1 programs to this occupation. The largest are Outdoor Education. Together they graduate about 222 people a year.
How much do recreation workers earn?+
The median is $36,560 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $50,410 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for recreation workers growing?+
BLS projects a +4.1% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, about as fast as average, with roughly 68,100 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
38 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 1 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do recreation workers work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Activity Aide, Activity Director, Activities Director, Recreation Supervisor among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 39-9032.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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