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Recreation Workers in California
Considering working as a Recreation Workers in California? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Recreation Workers Make in California?
The recreation workers working in California, the median annual wage is $37,580 per year (or about $18.07/hour).Annual wages span from $34,160 at the 10th percentile to $54,490 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,160 | $16.43 |
| 25th percentile | $35,700 | $17.16 |
| Median (50th) | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| 75th percentile | $44,560 | $21.42 |
| 90th percentile | $54,490 | $26.20 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in California nationwide is 1.34, indicating that recreation workers are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, recreation workers earn a median of $41,302 per year ($19.86/hour), lower than the California median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 74,944 recreation workers nationwide. In California alone, about 48,580 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 3,430 recreation workers.
Top California Metros for Recreation Workers
The largest metro-area employers of recreation workers in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 17,620 | $37,150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 6,330 | $44,070 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 4,260 | $38,500 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 3,640 | $36,160 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 2,820 | $38,350 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 2,640 | $54,990 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 1,290 | $36,400 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 1,010 | $36,300 |
| Fresno, CA | 910 | $34,200 |
| Modesto, CA | 910 | $35,500 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 900 | $36,370 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 860 | $38,160 |
| Visalia, CA | 780 | $35,700 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 640 | $37,130 |
| Vallejo, CA | 510 | $37,290 |
| Chico, CA | 460 | $34,250 |
| Salinas, CA | 440 | $36,370 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 310 | $37,020 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 300 | $35,140 |
| Redding, CA | 260 | $35,490 |
| Napa, CA | 230 | $39,220 |
| Merced, CA | 130 | $34,720 |
| El Centro, CA | 80 | $33,640 |
| Yuba City, CA | 80 | $38,020 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 50 | $36,130 |
Top States for Recreation Workers Employment
These states have the highest employment of recreation workers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 48,580 |
| New York | 19,550 |
| Florida | 16,720 |
| Texas | 16,590 |
| Illinois | 16,150 |
| Ohio | 12,310 |
| Arizona | 11,820 |
| Michigan | 11,370 |
| Massachusetts | 10,730 |
| Pennsylvania | 10,540 |
| North Carolina | 9,020 |
| Virginia | 8,260 |
| New Jersey | 8,040 |
| Georgia | 7,610 |
| Minnesota | 6,430 |
| Wisconsin | 6,320 |
| Indiana | 6,150 |
| Utah | 5,950 |
| Missouri | 5,530 |
| Colorado | 4,900 |
Highest-Paying States for Recreation Workers
The highest-paying states for recreation workers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $45,760 |
| Washington | $43,850 |
| South Dakota | $41,380 |
| Alaska | $39,830 |
| North Dakota | $37,920 |
| California | $37,580 |
| Minnesota | $37,500 |
| Oregon | $37,440 |
| New York | $37,270 |
| Vermont | $37,160 |
Skills
Top recreation workers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for recreation workers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Recreation Workers typically:
- 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.
- Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
- Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.
- Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Thinking Creatively
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Processing Information
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software
Related Careers
Other careers like recreation workers include:
- Training and Development Managers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Also Known As
Activities Aide, Activities Assistant, Activities Associate, Activities Coordinator, Activities Counselor, Activities Director, Activities Leader, Activity Aide, Activity Assistant, Activity Coordinator, Activity Director, Activity Leader, Activity Specialist, Camp Advisor, Camp Counselor.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 39-9032.00